US Air Force,
SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle used flares in a show of force to deter enemy activity near Gereshk. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission was successful.
An F-15E struck an enemy cave hideout with a guided bomb unit-38 and a GBU-31 in Asadabad. The munitions hit the intended target, which destroyed the cave. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.
An Air Force B1-B Lancer used flares in a show of force in Gereshk to deter enemy action against coalition forces. The JTAC confirmed the mission achieved the desired result.
During that same mission, the B1-B was routed to strike enemy compounds in Tarin Kowt with GBU-38s. The munitions successfully struck the target. The JATC confirmed the mission was successful.
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An F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet releases flares during a combat sortie in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. The F-15E is from the 492nd Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Aaron D. Allmon II)
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In Orgune, a French Mirage 2000 performed a show of force. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.
In total, 33 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons targeted enemy combatants placing an improvised explosive device and an enemy vehicle with a GBU-12 and a GBU-38 in Samarra. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.
An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II targeted enemy personnel with cannon fire in Balad. The JTAC confirmed the mission successful.
In Iskandariyah, an A-10 engaged an enemy vehicle with cannon fire. The target was confirmed destroyed by the JTAC.
During an armed overwatch, F-16s used flares in a show of force to deter actions against friendly forces in Basrah. The JTAC confirmed that the desired result was achieved.
An F-16 engaged enemy combatants with cannon fire in Mahmudiyah. The enemy combatants were in the process of placing an IED.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 51 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.
Twenty-one Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III's provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 158 airlift sorties were flown; 412 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,988 passengers were transported. This included approximately 43,320 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Oct. 14, Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 38 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 214 receiving aircraft.
