CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Feb. 1

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 1.

In Afghanistan Jan. 31, F-15 Eagles and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Forward Operating Base Carlson. An F-15 successfully expended a guided bomb unit-12 on Taliban fighters fleeing a rocket attack position.

An Air Force B-1B provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Musa Qal'eh. The B-1B successfully expended GBU-31s on enemy an cave complex, compounds and a bunker position.

Air Force F-15s provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Jalalabau and Loy Bagh.

In total, 26 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, 11 Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Baghdad. An F-16 expended GBU-12s, successfully destroying an anti-Iraqi forces vehicle.

Air Force F-16s also provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Hit.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 41 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, 13 Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force 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. They flew more than 150 airlift sorties, delivered more than 615 tons of cargo and transported approximately 2,990 passengers.

"The RC-135 (a reconnaisance version of the KC-135 Stratotanker) doesn't carry bombs or fly at mach speeds. However, its aircrews can eavesdrop on the enemy. This allows for other U.S. and coalition aircraft to stop the enemy in its tracks," said Capt. Todd Williams, the 763rd ERS tactical coordinator deployed from the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. "We're getting a lot accomplished and helping with the fight."

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

On Jan. 30, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 28 sorties and off-loaded more than 2 million pounds of fuel.