June 8 Airpower Summary: F-15Es Deter Enemy

Article continues below...

6/9/2008 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle: An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft returns to the fight after receiving fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker during a mission over Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B1-B Lancer and F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s and 38s to destroy enemy combatants and an outpost in Nagalam. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the missions were successful.

An F-15E dropped a GBU-31 and a GBU-38 to destroy enemy rocket teams in Orgun-E. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

An F-15E dropped a GBU-12 on enemy combatants in Musa-Qala. A JTAC declared the mission was successful.

In Gardez, F-15Es performed shows of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in Bagram and Zormat. A JTAC reported the missions successful.

British GR-7 Harriers performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in Musa-Qala and Shurakian. A JTAC declared the missions successful.

In total, 58 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18 Hornet and an F/A-18 Super Hornet performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in Baqubah. A JTAC confirmed the missions successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 22 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 deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-seven Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 80 airlift sorties were flown, 402 tons of cargo delivered and 1,256 passengers were transported. This included approximately 15,850 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On June 7, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 165 receiving aircraft.

Source: USAF