US Airpower Summary, Feb. 11, 2009: F-15Es Bomb Enemy Positions

An F-15E Strike Eagle deploys flairs during a recent mission over Afghanistan. The F-15E provides close-air support and armed overwatch in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Feb. 11, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet destroyed an enemy compound using a guided bomb unit-38 near Musa Qala. The strike took place after coalition forces began receiving small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire from the structure.

Near Musa Qala, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a GBU-31 against an enemy fighting position. Enemy personnel in the fighting position had been firing at coalition units with RPGs and small arms. A coalition aircraft also flew a show of force in the area to deter further enemy activity.

A Navy F/A-18A Hornet flew a show of force over an enemy position in the vicinity of Tarin Kowt. The maneuver caused enemy gunmen, who had been firing on a coalition convoy, to withdraw from the engagement.

On-scene joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 73 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twenty-one 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, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed several shows of force in the area surrounding a coalition base near Ba'qubah. The maneuvers were conducted to deter anti-coalition militia activity in the area.

Coalition aircraft flew two 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.

Six Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq.

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 110 airlift sorties were flown, more than 550 tons of cargo was delivered and about 2,700 passengers were transported.

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

On Feb. 9, Air Force tanker crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 299 receiving aircraft.

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

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