Coalition aircraft flew several close air support missions in Iraq on Dec. 27. USAF F-16s fired three precision-guided munitions against anti-Iraqi forces positions and vehicles in the vicinity of Hawijah. USAF F-15s and F16s provided CAS to coalition troops engaged with anti-Iraqi forces near Balad. The F-15s fired one PGM, striking an enemy mortar position, while the F-16s struck an enemy building with a PGM.
In a nighttime ceremony contrived to continue concealment of many of its features, the new B-21 bomber rolled out of Northrop Grumman's Palmdale, Calif. plant Dec. 2. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the aircraft's advanced technology represents "deterrence, the American way."