Airpower: F-15s engage enemy combatants

US Air Force,

SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle employed a guided bomb unit-31 against a bunker in Deh Rawod. Coalition forces were engaging enemy combatants who were using the bunker. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the strike was successful.

During the same mission, the aircrew successfully performed a show of force with flares to deter further enemy activities in the area.

An enemy bunker and machine gun positions were struck with GBU-38s dropped from an Air Force B-1B Lancer in Deh Rawod. The strike met the desired affect. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

Shows of force were conducted by F-15Es to deter enemy activities northwest of Nowzad. The demonstrations were declared as a success.

An F-15E performed shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Nowzad and Gereshk. The JTAC assessed both missions as successful.

GBU-31s dropped from an F-15E destroyed enemy positions in Asadabad Additionally, a show of force with flares was performed in Nowzad. The missions were confirmed as successful by the JTAC.

In total, 35 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force with flares to suppress enemy activities in Samarra. The mission was reported as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 43 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.

Twenty-three Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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.

Approximately 123 airlift sorties were flown; 535 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,670 passengers were transported. This included approximately 15,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 30, Air Force, French, and RAF tankers flew 36 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 201 receiving aircraft.