Feb. 11 airpower: F-16s provide close-air support

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 11.

In Afghanistan Feb. 10, Royal Air Force GR-7s provided a show of force for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops patrolling near Now Zad. The patrol reported that a ceasefire agreement had been broken by Taliban extremists and requested a show of force. The GR-7s expended flares to demonstrate control of the area. No further small-arms fire was reported.

In total, 31 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, seven U.S. Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, 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.

Aircraft performing NTISR give planners and air crews a great advantage by providing real-time "eyes-in-the-sky" capability which translates into immediate support to ground forces in harm's way.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided over watch for an explosive ordnance disposal team working a controlled detonation of an improvised explosive device. The EOD team was near Latfiyah and began receiving small-arms fire. There were no further attacks after the arrival of the F-16s.

Air Force F-16s also provided tactical airborne reconnaissance system collections near Baghdad, Kirkuk and Balad, increasing intelligence the Air Force has gathered in the locations.

Air Force F-16s provided over watch for coalition forces receiving small-arms fire near Baqubah. No further small-arms fire was reported.

Air Force F-16s also monitored individuals believed to be associated with an IED attack in Balad, however, there was nothing significant to report.

F-16s also provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Balad, Baghdad and Basrah.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 42 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, 11 Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. A U. S. Air Force fighter aircraft performed in a non-traditional ISR role with electro-optical and infrared sensors.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. They flew 130 airlift sortie, delivered 335 tons of cargo and transported 3,030 passengers.

Coalition C-130 crews from Canada also flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On Feb. 9, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force and French air force tankers flew 30 sorties and off-loaded almost 1.9 million pounds of fuel.