Nov. 23 airpower summary: F-15Es provide armed overwatch

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces who were emplacing improvised explosive devices in the vicinity of Gardez. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

Near Sheykhabad, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle and an A-10 conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy that struck an IED. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Tarin Kowt. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

Coalition aircraft conducted shows of force to deter enemy fighters who were digging in the side of the road and emplacing improvised explosive devices in the vicinity of Qurya. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Lowkhi and Kabul, coalition aircraft conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities. The missions were declared a success by the JTACs.

A Navy F/A-18A Hornet and an F-15E performed shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch to deter anti-Afghan forces from firing at coalition forces who were conducting operations in the vicinity of Gereshk and near Monari. The JTACs reported the missions successful.

In total, 71 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy conducting operations near Baghdad. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 45 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-nine Air Force, Navy and coalition ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition 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 150 airlift sorties were flown, more than 400 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,100 passengers were transported. This included approximately 80,000 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 22, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 264 receiving aircraft.