US Airpower Summary; Dec. 7, 2008: B-1B Deters Enemy Attacks

A B-1B Lancer flies a combat patrol over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring 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 by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 7, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto anti-Afghan forces who were firing rocket-propelled grenades at coalition forces from inside a compound in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

Near Bari Kowt, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle and Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds against anti-coalition members who were seen emplacing improvised explosive devices after a coalition convoy struck an IED. Furthermore, an A-10 conducted a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for the coalition convoy while they repaired the disable vehicle. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

An A-10 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Gardez and near Khowst. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

In the vicinity of Bagram and near Moqor, F-15Es performed shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch to deter anti-Afghan forces from firing at a coalition forces convoy traveling along a known hostile route. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

In total, 64 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Six 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, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed shows of force to deter enemy fighters and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy conducting IED clearance patrols in the area. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 47 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 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 140 airlift sorties were flown, more than 350 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,000 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 Dec. 5, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 214 receiving aircraft.

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

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