Feb. 7 airpower: B-1s providing close-air support

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 7.

In Afghanistan Feb. 6, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops receiving small arms fire from Taliban extremists in a building near Qurya. The B1-B successfully expended guided bomb unit-38s on the insurgent building, ending the engagement.

A B-1B provided close-air support to ISAF troops by observing terrain surrounding a joint tactical air controller, or JTAC, after burning vehicles were found near Forward Operating Base Carlson.

Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Musa Qal'eh Zad and Pashsbad. The F/A-18s used show-of-force to successfully cease mortar fire near Musa Qal'eh Zad and small arms fire near Pashsbad.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, 10 Air Force and Royal Air Force 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 A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided show-of-force over areas where a JTAC was receiving small arms fire from anti-Iraqi forces near Baghdad. JTAC reported no further engagements after show of force.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons also provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity of Balad, Samarra and Basrah. The F-16s provided over-watch to a convoy near Balad. F-16s also investigated enemy mortar positions and provided show-of-force for a JTAC receiving mortar fire near Samarra and Basrah.

RAF GR-4 Tornados provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity Al Madain. The GR-4s searched for improvised explosive device activity, over-watched a vehicle convoy and investigated large brush fire near Al Madain.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 34 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, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Air Force fighter aircraft performed in a non-traditional ISR role with electro-optical and infrared sensors.

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. Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown; nearly 630 tons of cargo was delivered, and some 3,325 passengers were transported.

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

On Feb. 5, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 34 sorties and off-loaded almost 2.1 million pounds of fuel.