Aug. 30 airpower summary: F-15Es deter enemy attack

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 30 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided armed overwatch for Abchakan and responded to a request for assistance to friendly forces taking small-arms fire. The F-15E conducted a show of force over a potential anti-Afghan force position deterring enemy action.

In Asadabad, coalition aircraft in the area provided protection for a friendly force's foot patrol. The friendly forces reported coming under attack from enemy forces. The aircraft executed a show of force to deter enemy aggression and then deployed precision-guided munitions successfully ending the attack.

F-15E aircraft flying near Asmar provided armed overwatch and a show of force in order to deter possible enemy activity. The show of force was successful.

In the vicinity of Gereshk, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets observed anti-coalition forces massing in a treeline position and received permission to engage the enemy. Several shows of force were conducted with flares expended and the enemy dispersed.

Marine AV-8B Harriers provided armed overwatch for friendly forces near Lashkar Gah when enemy forces began firing on friendly forces with small-arms fire. The aircrews performed strafing runs on the points of origin of the small-arms fire ceasing the enemy action.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in the area of Sheykhabad for a friendly force's convoy when they reported receiving small arms fire. The shows of force deterred enemy action in the area.

Lashkar Gah saw Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets support friendly ground forces that were under small-arms fire from anti-coalition forces in a treeline position. The aircraft made several strafing runs on the position eliminating the position and terminating enemy aggression.

Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 83 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Thirty Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In total, 28 close-air-support missions were flown in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities

Twenty-five Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two 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. 

Air Force airlift crews flew 137 airlift sorties, 535 short tons of cargo were delivered and about 3,200 passengers were transported. This included about 212,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On Aug. 29, U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 56 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 255 receiving aircraft.