US Airpower Summary; Dec. 22, 2008: F-15Es Deter Anti-Afghan Forces

An F-15E Strike Eagle flies a combat mission over Afghanistan in support of Operations Enduring Freedom. 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. 22, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force to deter anti-Afghan forces from setting up an ambush of a coalition forces convoy that was conducting operations near Nurestan. The missions were confirmed a success by on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.

In the vicinity of Nangalam, an F-15E conducted a show of force and aerial reconnaissance for a coalition forces foot patrol moving along a ridge line. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

An F-15E performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

Near Shurakian, a coalition aircraft performed a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch to deter enemy activities against a coalition convoy that was conducting operations in the area. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In total, 71 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seventeen 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 40 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-nine 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 140 airlift sorties were flown, more than 360 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,000 passengers were transported. This included approximately 51,500 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 20, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 286 receiving aircraft.

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

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