US Airpower Summary; Oct. 4, 2008: F-15Es Provide Close Air Support

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft returns to the fight after receiving fuel. F-15Es continue to be vigilant in deterring enemy activities in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Oct. 4, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Oct. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto anti-Afghan forces near Kandahar. Additionally, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a hellfire missile onto anti-Afghan forces. The mission was reported successful by a joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Oruzgan, a B-1B dropped a GBU-31 onto an anti-Afghan fighting position. Furthermore, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a GBU-12 and fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces engaging coalition forces. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Asadabad, F-15Es dropped a GBU-12 and GBU-38 onto anti-Afghan forces. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

A-10s performed shows of force near Kandahar and in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah to deter enemy activities. The missions were declared successful by JTACs.

F-15Es conducted shows of force to deter insurgent activities near Khowst and in the vicinity of Soltan. JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

In total, 46 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 51 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-nine Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 135 airlift sorties were flown; 550 tons of cargo delivered, and 4,064 passengers were transported.

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

On Oct. 2, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 252 receiving aircraft.

(From a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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