Airpower: F-15 Strike Eagles soar

SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations August 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a GBU-38 onto an enemy building in the vicinity of Mushan, containing weapons cache. In addition an F-15E conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activity in the vicinity of Moqor. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the missions were successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan forces activities in the vicinity of Mata Khan. The JTAC reported the mission was successful

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier fired rockets at enemy combatants in the vicinity of Qalat.  The mission was confirmed a success by the JTAC.

In the vicinity of Golestan, a U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto anti-Afghan forces. Furthermore, an F/A-18F Super Hornet conducted a show of force to provide armed aerial security patrol in the area. The missions were declared a success by the JTACs.

In total, 69 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles continue to bring air power to areas of Afghanistan, hitting multiple enemy targets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matt Cook) More Military Pictures

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 49 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-three Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq.

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 135 airlift sorties were flown, 676 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,213 passengers were transported. The airlift included approximately 18,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Aug. 1, U.S. Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 65 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 213 receiving aircraft.