Sir, the answer to your question, "What was the true reason to task Balad Vipers (originally deployed only for OIF) with an OEF mission to drop GBU-38s on enemy positions in Jalalabad although enough F-15Es, A-10s and B-1Bs were already on place is simple.

At that time, USS Enterprise strike group, with CVW-1 was in the Persian Gulf to support OIF (they launched their first CAS sortie on IRAQ on Aug 12 2007). As you read the news from 35 FW you can see that 13th EFS four ship strike package was part of a very large force of 150 strikes....In these days there was on going a very large operation in Afghanistan to destroy "talibs" strongholds in Jalalabad.

So, Balad and USS Enterprise sent both a representative strike force. You can see that Super Hornet from CVW-1 (The checkmates of VFA-211) dropped GBU-38s on the same day. In October / November 2007 CVW-1 was diverted to Indian Ocean to cover the gap of F-15E Strike Eagles grounded. And with all CVW-1 there was no more need for Balad F-16 support.

Early Warning
By William M. Arkin
May 8, 2008; 12:00 PM ET
William M. Arkin on National and Homeland Security

A Secret Afghanistan Mission Prepares for War with Iran

Those predicting war with Iran or some Bush-Cheney October surprise attack on Tehran are constantly looking for signs of military preparations: a B-52 bomber that mistakenly takes off from North Dakota with nuclear-armed cruise missiles; a second or third aircraft carrier entering the Persian Gulf; a B-1 crashing in Qatar.

Since the most likely path to war with Iran is not Marines storming the beach but a strike on nuclear facilities and "regime" targets, signs such as these can often just be mirages. The true strike is not necessarily going to come with any warning, and the U.S. military has developed an entire system called "global strike" to implement such a preemptive strike.

A secret mission conducted last August over Afghanistan caught my eye because it tells us everything we need to know about the ability of the U.S. military to conduct a bolt-out-of-the-blue attack in Iran. It also tells us how useless such a strike might be.

On Aug. 12, 2007, four F-16CJ fighters took off on an 11-hour mission from Iraq to Eastern Afghanistan, crossing the airspace of six different nations, before dropping more than a dozen precision-guided bombs on Taliban targets. The crews of the record-breaking flight received the coveted Clarence MacKay Trophy for 2007, an award given annually for "the most meritorious flight" of the year.

The secret mission had never before been attempted, according to the Air Force, and the pilots were allotted a two-minute window of attack at the end of their 2,100-mile flight. The entire non-stop mission, which took 13 aerial refueling, was the equivalent of flying from New York to Los Angeles and back.

The mission was a success, according to the Air Force: It resulted in "direct hits" that allowed coalition ground forces to "conduct raids on Taliban positions."

However, a check of the news out of Afghanistan for the week of Aug. 12 reveals no real air strike of significance. On Aug. 12, the wire services reported fighting near the Pakistani border and the death of three U.S. soldiers and their Afghan interpreter from a roadside bomb.

Further fighting was reported on Aug. 13 and Aug. 14, but no significant bombing missions in support of U.S. or Afghan forces. On Aug. 15, the Afghan government announced a large scale three-day operation in the area of Tora Bora, an operation launched in response to the killing of three U.S. soldiers by IED earlier that week. Officials said nearly 50 suspected Pakistani and Taliban militants were killed in air and ground operations. Coalition aircraft carried out two sorties to target the Taliban positions in that area, an Afghan official said.

I don't doubt that the F-16CJ night mission was complicated and historic, as well as physically and mentally demanding. The crews, according to the Air Force, worked with new operating instructions and went into the unknown. The squadron commander had only 18 hours to plan and prepare for the attack. The mission was so secret, furthermore, it was not listed on the daily Air Tasking Order, the daily schedule distributed throughout the U.S. military, further complicating aerial refuelings and overflights.

If on Aug. 12, 2007, the United States had killed Osama bin Laden or scored some major victory in Afghanistan, one might fully appreciate the mission and the award of the MacKay Trophy. But I suspect that what was important here is that the mission went like clockwork, not that something important in Afghanistan was destroyed.

None of this is to besmirch the effort or the achievement. But if this was really a rehearsal to attack Iran, it was a mission where getting the airplanes over the target was more consequential than what was actually bombed

Source: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/earlywar ... v=rss_blog

8/16/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 12 to 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Aug. 12

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy targets in Jalalabad. The aircrews confirmed the drops were successful.

Also in Jalalabad, Air Force B-1B Lancers dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on caves, ridgelines and other mountainous areas.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired rockets and cannon rounds at enemy positions in Jalalabad.

Continuing the engagement in Jalalabad, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets hit buildings and enemy firing positions with GBU-38s.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons also dropped GBU-38s on enemy positions in Jalalabad. [emphasized by J.J.]

An F-15E provided a show of force with flares over an enemy compound near Tarin Kowt. The enemies gave up their position in the compound after the show of force.

In total, 50 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, F-16s provided a show of force against enemies firing at ground forces in Balad. The pilots also watched over ground forces leaving the area and looked for any suspicious activities.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 46 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Thirteen Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

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

Some 123 airlift sorties were flown 452 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,539 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 13,050 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Korea flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Aug. 11, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 220 receiving aircraft.

Aug. 13

In Afghanistan, F-15Es dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy targets in Jalalabad. The aircrews confirmed the drops were successful.

Also in Jalalabad, a B-1B dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on caves, ridgelines and other mountainous areas.

An A-10 fired rockets and cannon rounds at enemy positions in Jalalabad.

An RAF GR-4 Tornado released an enhanced Paveway II munition on an enemy firing position in Lashkar Ghar. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported a direct hit.

Another Tornado fired an Paveway II on an enemy compound near Gereshk. An additional GR-4 provided armed overwatch for coalition forces in Sangin.

In Asadabad, A-10s conducted multiple shows of force with flares to deter enemy attacks on coalition forces.

In total, 63 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, a B-1B released GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy targets in Baquba.

GR4s released a Paveway II and fired cannon rounds at insurgents who were carrying rockets. The aircrews conducted a show of force to deter the insurgents from recovering the rockets.

In Baghdad, Thunderbolt IIs conducted armed overwatch and search for immediate threats to personnel on the ground.

Also in Baghdad, an F-16 searched for enemy movements and countered improvised explosive device activities.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 66 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Eighteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Some 129 airlift sorties were flown, 449 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,085 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 6,400 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Aug. 12, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 65 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 261 receiving aircraft.

Aug. 14

In Afghanistan, F-15Es dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy targets in Jalalabad. The aircrews confirmed the drops were successful. Some of the targets included firing positions and bunkers.

Also in Jalalabad, a B-1B dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy positions. The drops were deemed successful.

A-10s fired rockets and cannon rounds at enemy positions also in Jalalabad. The pilots confirmed good hits.

A Navy EA-6B Prowler provided a successful show of force with multiple flares over Khowst.

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

Eleven Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, F-16s conducted a successful show a force to stop improvised explosive device emplacers in Ad Diwaniyah. The pilots also watched over a raid in which a high value target was captured.

Other F-16s provided shows of force with flares to break up a crowd forming around a forward operating base in Al Najaf. The show of force was to ensure there were no attacks on the base. The pilots also watched over a tractor trailer struck by an IED.

More F-16s watched over and monitored activities throughout Baghdad.

GR-4s fired Paveway II munitions on a house that was booby trapped in Al Muqdadiyah. The house was destroyed and secondary explosions were witnessed, indicating other explosive devices were present.

In Baquba, F-16s destroyed another booby-trapped house to help coalition forces continue clearing the area.

F-16s destroyed a house in Taji with GBU-38s and a GBU-12. Insurgents had attacked ground forces then fled to the house prior to the air strike.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 62 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Fifteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Some 125 airlift sorties were flown, 586 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,257 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 62,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Aug. 13, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 68 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.9 million pounds of fuel to 271 receiving aircraft.

Aug. 15

In Afghanistan, F-15Es dropped GBU-38s and GBU-12s on enemy targets in Jalalabad. The aircrews confirmed the drops as successful. Some of the targets included firing positions, bunkers and caves.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator destroyed a vehicle in Basrah with a Hellfire missile.

A GR-4 provided a show of force with flares to keep insurgents from attacking during a medical evacuation at Basrah Palace. There were no attacks on the evacuation after the show of force.

F-16s provided armed overwatch for ground forces looking for an improvised explosive device emplacement team in Taji. The pilots watched over a demonstration at a soccer stadium.

Also in Taji, other F-16s dropped a GBU-38 and a GBU-12 on a buried mortar. The pilots had followed a truck suspected of having the mortar inside. The pilots then watched the insurgents remove the mortar from the vehicle and bury it. Then they blew it up. More F-16s watched over other parts of the city and looked for more mortar launches.

F/A-18s provided convoy escort and overwatch for a medical evacuation near Muqdadiyah.

Also in Muqdadiyah, other Hornets fired a Hellfire missile and a GBU-51 at a building. The interior of the building was destroyed. The pilots also watched over another medical evacuation in the area.

More F/A-18s fired cannon rounds at insurgents using boats in Baqubah.

F-16s destroyed a weapons cache in Tarmiyah with GBU-12s.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 64 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Nineteen Air Force, Navy, RAF and RAAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Some 131 airlift sorties were flown, 530 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,532 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 26,160 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Canada, Iraq, and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Aug. 14, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 68 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 283 receiving aircraft.

Source: http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123064756)