Aug. 3 airpower summary: F-15E provides cover for disabled convoy Published Aug. 5, 2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force B-1B Lancers provided air support for friendly forces when they started receiving small-arms fire from anti-Afghan forces near Mushan. The enemy position was located along a wall and the B-1Bs engaged the anti-Afghan forces by releasing a precision guided munition terminating enemy action. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch near Asadabad when a friendly force convoy was stopped by a rocket-propelled grenade attack. The coalition aircraft used precision guided munitions on enemy position to end RPG attacks on friendly forces. The F-15E then executed a show of force as the disabled convoy was rescued by coalition forces. Near Bagram, F-15Es providing air support engaged in a show of force when friendly forces encountered RPG and small-arms fire from anti-Afghan forces. The aircraft then took further action by dropping a precision guided munition on the enemy forces position. The threat was eliminated. F-15E aircraft near the town of Abchakan provided a show of force that enabled a friendly forces patrol to disengage from enemy small-arms fire. Friendly forces were able to evacuate under the protection of air support. At Sheykhabad, F-15E aircraft were providing armed overwatch when friendly forces requested a show of force to deter anti-Afghan force's small- arms fire on a convoy that had been struck with an improvised explosive device. The show of force was deemed successful when anti-Afghan forces were observed retreating. At Asadabad, Air Force F-16CJ Fighting Falcons and F-15E Strike Eagles were providing armed overwatch when friendly forces requested a show of force to deter anti-Afghan force activity in the local area. The show of force was considered successful when anti-Afghan forces ceased fire on friendly forces. Enemy sniper positions were identified, confirmed and destroyed by precision guided munitions. Enemy mortar positions were also identified, confirmed and destroyed by precision guided munitions and cannon fire. Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions. In total, 85 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Eighteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 24 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-eight 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. Approximately 122 airlift sorties were flown, 747 tons of cargo were delivered and about 2,950 passengers were transported. This included about 141,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan. Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On Aug. 2, Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported nine patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue team members aboard located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The HH-60G transported these patients to field hospitals in less time than it takes for a civilian patient to reach emergency care by ambulance in most major cities. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 58 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 230 receiving aircraft.