US Airpower Summary; Nov. 12, 2008: B-1B Bombs Enemy Forces

A B-1B Lancer takes off from a base in Southwest Asia to support Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. The B-1B has the capability to carry guided and unguided weapons and deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against specific targets. (U.S. Air Force photo.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 12, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and GBU-38s onto anti-Afghan forces who were firing rocket- propelled grenades at coalition forces conducting operations in the vicinity of Shkin. The missions were confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Garmsir, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet performed a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for coalition ground forces conducting operations. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force to deter enemy activities and provided escort for a coalition ground forces convoy that was traveling through known enemy ambush points in the vicinity of Sheykhabad, near Bagram. The missions were declared a success by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Now Zad, coalition aircraft conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

An A-10 conducted a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for coalition ground forces conducting operations in the vicinity of Mata Khan. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

In total, 62 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fourteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 46 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Thirty-two Air Force, Navy and coalition ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 141 airlift sorties were flown, more than 341 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,860 passengers were transported. This included approximately 57,000 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Nov. 10, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 300 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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