Feb. 15 airpower: F-16s provide convoy watch

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 15.

In Afghanistan Feb. 14, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Forward Operating Base Carlson. 

In total, 34 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, eight Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons observed a large amount of vehicle activity and reported it to joint terminal attack controllers near Baqubah. The F-16s also provided cover for a convoy heading to rendezvous with coalition ground forces that had received enemy fire.

Air Force F-16s were tasked to search for suspected enemy vehicles near Hawija and Baghdad. Although there was nothing significant to report, the aircraft noted individuals possibly patrolling nearby. The F-16s later were informed of Iraqi police patrols in the area.

Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornados also provided over watch for several troop routes and areas of interest near Basrah.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 54 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Additionally, 16 Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. More than 160 airlift sorties were flown; more than 475 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 3,690 passengers were transported. This included more than 14,000 pounds of troop supplies airdropped in eastern Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia , Canada , Japan and South Korea flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On Feb. 13, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 28 sorties and off-loaded almost 1.9 million pounds of fuel.