US Airpower Summary; Nov. 7, 2008: F-15Es Conduct Show of Force

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft returns to the fight after receiving fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker during a mission over Afghanistan. The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 7, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9 Reaper dropped guided bomb unit-12s and used Hellfire missiles against anti-Afghan forces who were firing rocket-propelled grenades at coalition forces in the vicinity of Bolocan. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

Near Musa Qaleh, Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities. The JTACs reported the missions successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities and to provide armed aerial overwatch for coalition ground forces who had been following two teams who were emplacing improvised explosive devices in the vicinity of Sheykhabad. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

In total, 75 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 47 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 hostile activities.

Thirty Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force 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 150 airlift sorties were flown, nearly 480 tons of cargo delivered and more than 4,200 passengers were transported. This included approximately 118,000 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 5, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 259 receiving aircraft.

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

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