CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Jan. 30, 31

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 30 and 31.

In Afghanistan Jan. 30, F-15 Eagles provided close-air support to International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Nurestan.

Air Force B-1 Lancers and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Musa Qal'eh. The B-1s expended GBU-38 bombs successfully within parameters of three potential enemy buildings. The GR-7s expended rockets and enhanced Paveway II munitions on enemy positions successfully suppressing enemy fire.

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

Additionally, nine 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 and an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Samarra. The Predator aircraft successfully expended a Hellfire missile on enemy forces.

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

In total, coalition aircraft flew 44 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, RAF and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globmaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan , Iraq and the Horn of Africa. They flew more than 145 airlift sorties, delivered more than 570 tons of cargo; and transported more than 3,090 passengers. This included about 13,800 pounds of troop supplies airdropped in eastern Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 29, Air Force, RAF and French air force tankers flew 25 sorties and off-loaded almost 1.6 million pounds of fuel.

In Afghanistan Jan. 29, Air Force F-15s provided close-air support for ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Wama.

F-15s and a B-1 provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Qalat.

In total, 29 close-air support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, six Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

Platforms like the Predator provide persistence over targets and increased reliability of intelligence providing real-time definition of targets and the surrounding area. CENTAF officials said a better battlefield sight picture improves its ability to avoid noncombatants and prevent collateral damage.

In Iraq, F-16s provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Al Rassaq. The F-16s expended GBU-12 bombs on enemy positions.

F-16s, A-10s and RAF GR-4 Tornados provided close-air support to troops in contact with militant forces near Najaf.

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

F-16s provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Ad Duluiyah.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 38 close-air-support missions for OIF. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Additionally, 12 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. An Air Force fighter aircraft performed in a nontraditional ISR role with electro-optical and infrared sensors.

Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan , Iraq and the Horn of Africa. They flew more than 135 airlift sorties, delivered more than 275 tons of cargo and transported approximately 2,880 passengers.

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

On Jan. 28, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 31 sorties and off-loaded almost 1.9 million pounds of fuel.