US Airpower Summary; Jan. 7, 2009: F-15s Bomb Targets

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle touches down after a mission in Southwest Asia. The F-15Es and other coalition aircraft flew 68 close-air-support missions in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols Jan. 6. (U.S. Air Force photo.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Jan. 7, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-38s and fired cannon rounds against an anti-Afghan machine gun crew attacking coalition forces in the vicinity of Sheykhabad. The missions were confirmed successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.

Near Sangin, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet dropped a GBU-38 onto anti-Afghan forces attacking a coalition foot patrol. In addition, Navy F/A-18Es performed shows of force expending flares and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition ground force patrol conducting operations in the same area. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan forces and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition ground convoy assessing washout damage to a road near Monari. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

In the vicinity of Nangalam and near Lashkar Gah, an A-10 and a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet executed shows of force to deter enemy activity. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

An F-15E conducted a show of force to deter enemy forces and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition infantry patrol scouting a ridgeline near Bagram. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

Over the Ghazni area, an A-10 performed a show of force expending flares while providing aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy conducting a counter-improvised explosive device sweep. The JTAC reported the mission a success.

An F-15E and an F/A-18F conducted shows of force while performing armed overwatch for coalition convoys near Balocan and Nurestan. The missions were deemed successful by the JTAC.

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

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 43 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-four Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force 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 120 airlift sorties were flown, more than 350 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 3,200 passengers were transported. This included approximately 120,000 pounds of troop resupply that was air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 5, Air Force and coalition tankers flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.6 million pounds of fuel to 314 receiving aircraft.

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

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