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OVER IRAQ -- An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pulls away from a KC-10 Extender after receiving fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Erik Gudmundson)
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Strike Eagles support ‘guys on the ground’
Posted 12/1/2004
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by Staff Sgt. Bryan Bouchard
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
12/1/2004 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- While originally designed as a fighter-bomber, the F-15E Strike Eagle took on a new mission during the past three years. Today, it is almost strictly used for close-air support, giving troops on the ground added air protection and precise target elimination, officials said.
“Three years ago no one would’ve expected us to use the gun,” said 1st Lt. Tim, a 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapon system officer. He was speaking about the 20 mm multibarrel cannon internally mounted within the jet’s fuselage. Now the crews find themselves strafing targets while flying at low altitudes. His last name was remover for security reasons.
Training with the Strike Eagle has changed significantly because of lessons from Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan in March 2002, officials said. Then, two 335th EFS aircraft were flying close-air support for units on the ground when they were called upon to drop ordnance very close to friendly ground troops fighting against Taliban forces.
Once the Strike Eagles ran out of bombs, they attacked enemy troops with 20 mm rounds. After the strafing runs, an Airman on the ground told the crews that he could “smell the pine” from trees that were shot up by the F-15E’s guns cutting though a forest.
Now, almost three years later, the crews are constantly training to perform such missions before they deploy here.
“All of our missions are designed to support the guys on the ground,” Lieutenant Tim said. “It depends on who’s getting shot at or who’s getting mortared, and who’s in the area. If you happen to be in the area, then you can help those guys out.”
The crews recently showed how their eight months of training before deploying paid off, said Capt. Steven, a 335th EFS pilot.
While flying near the insurgent-filled Iraqi city of Fallujah, two Strike Eagles were called off their reconnaissance mission to lend a hand to Marines on the ground.
“The Marines called and told us that they had someone shooting at them from a couple of buildings,” Captain Steven said, “and our flight lead rolled in and took out the first target, and they had us take out a target right next to it.”
The weapon systems officer on that mission was 1st Lt. Jamie. He said the targets were within a half-block from the Marines.
At any time while flying, Strike Eagle crews can be called away to take out targets which may pose a threat to ground troops.
But every time an aircraft flies over a combat zone, the risks associated with the flight go up as fast as the aircraft itself. For these Airmen, that is not what is on their mind during their sometimes seven-hour missions.
“The thing that goes through my mind is the troops on the radio that are calling us, (those) that are on the ground, and you can hear on the radio they’re scared; they’re getting shot at,” said Capt. Greg, another squadron pilot.
“There (are) guys getting mortared every day; for us, saving more of those guys on the ground is what it’s all about,” Lieutenant Tim said. |
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