May 7 airpower summary: F-15Es cover friendly units

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show of force over Ghazni to deter enemy aggression. The aircraft intervened after anti-Afghan forces initiated an ambush on a coalition convoy using an improvised explosive device and began firing mortars and automatic weapons.

In the vicinity of Kandahar, an Air Force B-1B Lancer responded to a call from a coalition resupply convoy which had been attacked with an IED, mortars and small arms. The B-1B flew a show of force over the enemy position, which caused enemy shooters to stop firing.

Near Musa Qala, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet and a coalition aircraft performed several shows of force over enemy positions as a demonstration of friendly airpower during an engagement there. The aircraft remained overhead to provide additional cover and protection for ground forces.

An F/A-18E Super Hornet carried out a show of force near Morghab when coalition troops came under fire from anti-Afghan gunmen with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and automatic weapons. The jet's appearance suppressed enemy fire and provided an additional element of force presence supporting ground operations.

In the area near Faizabad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed several shows of force and launched flares to allow an ambushed friendly unit to withdraw. The unit had come under fire after anti-Afghan forces initiated a firefight with an IED explosion and opened up with assault weapons and mortars.

Near Lashkar Gah, Navy F/A-18C Hornets flew shows of force and launched a number of flares over enemy forces concealed in a tree line and compounds. The Hornets were supporting a friendly unit which had come under enemy heavy fire. The jets also provided tactical reconnaissance to the ground forces commander.

Enemy forces near Gardez, firing RPGs and machine guns at a coalition unit, were stopped by an A-10's shows of force. The Thunderbolt II conducted the fly-bys to aid a coalition patrol in withdrawing from an anti-Afghan forces' IED-initiated ambush.

Strike Eagles performed shows of force to deter enemy activity during the withdrawal of an Afghan and coalition dismounted patrol from Faizabad. The aircraft also provided cover as a medevac helicopter transported wounded personnel to a medical facility.

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

In total, 79 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 26 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-five Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemasters provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown, 440 tons of cargo were delivered and about 4,500 passengers were transported.

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

On May 6, Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 202 receiving aircraft.