US Airpower Summary; Nov. 15, 2008: B-1s Repel Anti-Afghan Forces

An Air Force B-1B Lancer takes off from an air base in Southwest Asia. The B-1B flies a wide range of mission in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Douglas Olsen.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 15, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Nov. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto anti-Afghan forces who were firing rocket propelled grenades at National Afghan Police near Gardez. The mission was confirmed a success by the Joint Terminal Attack Controller.

In the vicinity of Moqor, coalition aircraft performed a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for coalition ground forces searching for suspected enemy firing points. The JTAC declared the mission successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy that was stuck in the mud by a riverbed near Mata Khan. The mission was reported a success by the JTAC.

In total, 52 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 41 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-one Air Force, Navy and coalition intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

About 140 airlift sorties were flown; more than 400 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 3,300 passengers were transported. This included approximately 120,000 pounds of troop re-supply that was air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 13, Air Force and Coalition aerial refueling crews flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 230 receiving aircraft.

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

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