News>May 27 airpower summary: Strike Eagles provide close-air-support missions
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U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles taxi down the flightline at a base in Southwest Asia. F-15Es flew four out of the 43 close-air-support missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom May 26. (U.S.Air Force courtesy photo)
5/28/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fired cannon rounds at insurgents hiding in a treeline near Sangin. The aircrews were tasked to strafe the area after a coalition convoy took small arms fire. The F-15 also dropped a guided bomb unit-38 on an insurgent building in the area. Joint terminal attack controllers confirmed both engagements as successful.
F-15s also watched over convoys and investigated a ridgeline in Asadabad.
Over Orgun-E, French M-2000 Mirages, dropped GBU-12s on enemy targets in the area. The pilots also escorted a convoy. The convoy experienced no attacks while the aircraft were escorting them.
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided shows of force expelling multiple flares over Khowst to deter enemy activity surrounding a convoy in the area. There were no reports of attacks after the shows of force.
In total, 54 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Fifteen Air Force and U.S. Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, five Air Force, Navy and Royal Air Force fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a hellfire missile at an insurgent vehicle near Mosul. The Predator had monitored the vehicle throughout the city before determining it a target. The vehicle was destroyed by the missile.
In Baquba, Navy F-18C Hornets monitored suspicious activity in an area thought to be a mortar firing location.
Later, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted a show of force expending flares over Baquba. F-16 pilots also watched for possible IED emplacers and triggermen around the city.
In Salman Pak, F-16s performed a show of force firing multiple flares for coalition forces taking small arms fire. The JTAC in the area reported the show of force as successful.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 54 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.
Fifteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Air Force, Navy and RAF fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 139 airlift sorties were flown; 639 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 2,900 passengers were transported. This included approximately 21,586 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Korea flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On May 26, aerial refueling crews from the United States, RAF, French and Republic of Singapore flew 54 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 197 receiving aircraft.
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U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles taxi down the flightline at a base in Southwest Asia. F-15Es flew four out of the 43 close-air-support missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom May 26.
