Feb. 8 airpower: F-16s provide key airpower support

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 8.

In Afghanistan Feb. 7, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided show-of-force for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops by flying over an area reported to have suspected insurgents hiding and burying an unidentified object according to a joint tactical air controller, or JTAC, report. No engagements were reported after show of force.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike on cave entrances suspected of containing ant-Iraqi forces and material near Pashsbad. The B-1B successfully expended guided bomb unit-31s on cave entrances according to a JTAC report.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Royal Air Force fighters provided close-air support to ISAF troops receiving small-arms fire near Gereshk. The A-10s released flares during a show of force. The JTAC reported the show of force a success -- no further engagements.

In total, 37 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, 11 Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan . U.S. Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Iraq , Air Force F-16s conducted a pre-planned strike near Al Mahmudiyah. The F -16s successfully expended GBU-38s on a boat parking area, impeding the movement of anti-Iraqi personnel and materials.

An Air Force A-10 and F-16s provided close air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Baghdad . The A-10 expended a GBU-12 on a building used as a sniper platform and successfully strafed an anti-Iraqi forces truck with cannon rounds. The F-16s successfully expended a GBU-38 and GBU-12 on a house historically used as a sniper position by anti-Iraqi forces.

Air Force F-16s and A-10s provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Baghdad and Tikrit.

Air Force F-16s and RAF GR-4 Tornados provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Baghdad .

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 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, 10 Air Force and Navy 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; nearly 590 tons of cargo were delivered and about 3,100 passengers were transported. This included about 14,400 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in eastern Afghanistan.

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

On Feb. 6, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 31 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.3 million pounds of fuel.