US Airpower Summary; Nov. 23, 2008: B-1B Bombs Anti-Afghan Forces

A B-1B Lancer prepares to connect with a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling boom over the Indian Ocean. A B-1B like this one flew a close-air-support mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and bombed anti-Afghan forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 23, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s, GBU-38s and fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces who were firing rocket-propelled grenades at coalition forces in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. The missions were confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.

Near Qalat, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a GBU-31 onto anti-Afghan forces who were using small arms fire against Coalition forces conducting operations in the area. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

A Navy F/A-18F dropped a GBU-38 onto enemy forces hiding in a tree line firing mortars at coalition forces in the vicinity of Shurakian. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

Coalition aircraft conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Sangin and Bagram. The JTACs reported the missions successful.

In total, 67 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 45 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.

Twenty-nine Air Force and Navy 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 130 airlift sorties were flown, more than 530 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,400 passengers were transported. This included approximately 54,000 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 21, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 254 receiving aircraft.

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

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