Thursday, December 11, 2008

US Airpower Summary; Dec. 11, 2008: F-15Es Provide Aerial Protection

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An F-15E Strike Eagle soars over Afghanistan providing close-air support and armed aerial overwatch to deter enemy activities. The Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 11, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto anti-Afghan forces who were observed moving weapons from one compound to another in the vicinity of Sangin. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Musa Qaleh, a coalition aircraft fired rockets against anti-coalition forces hiding inside a highly camouflaged compound. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition ground forces convoy conducting clearing operations near Bagram. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Soltani, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force to deter anti-Afghan forces moving near a coalition forward operating base. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

A Navy F/A-18C Hornet and a coalition aircraft conducted shows of force to deter anti-Afghan activities in the vicinity of Garmser and near Lashkar Gah. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

In the vicinity of Gardez, an F-15E performed a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy conducting search operations in the area. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

A Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet conducted a show of force and provided coalition convoy escort to deter anti-Afghan forces near Moqor. The mission was confirmed a success by a JTAC.

In total, 69 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed shows of force and provided armed aerial reconnaissance for a coalition forces patrol conducting search operations for an improvised explosive device emplacement team that was spotted digging on the side of the road in the vicinity of Baghdad. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

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 hostile activities.

Twenty-six 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 130 airlift sorties were flown, more than 400 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,500 passengers were transported.

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

On Dec. 9, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 279 receiving aircraft.

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

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