US Airpower Summary; Nov. 3, 2008: F-15Es Strike Enemy Forces

An A-10 Thunderbolt II takes off from Bagram Air Field in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The nose art on the plane signifies that this A-10 is part of the "Flying Tigers" legacy dating back to the World War II era. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 3, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s onto anti-Afghan forces in the vicinity of Barin Kowt. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Musa Qaleh, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet and a coalition aircraft dropped GBU-12s and GBU-38s onto enemy positions near a compound. Furthermore, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in the same area. The JTACs reported the missions successful.

An F-15E conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for an Afghan national police convoy taking small arms fire near Gardez. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Tarin Kowt, an F-18C conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

An F-15E performed a show of force to deter anti-Afghan forces from firing at coalition forces who were looking for weapons cache in the vicinity of Sheykhabad. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

Near Bagram, a coalition aircraft performed a show of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

In total, 68 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Baqubah. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Al Amarah, coalition aircraft performed shows of force in support of coalition forces conducting foot patrols to clear counter-IEDs in the area. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 45 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 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 Navy and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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 140 airlift sorties were flown, nearly 400 tons of cargo delivered and more than 3,300 passengers were transported. This included approximately 99,000 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 1, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 288 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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