Nov. 18 airpower summary: F-15Es support coalition forces

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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. 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper used Hellfire missiles against anti-Afghan forces, which were seen carrying rocket-propelled grenades while leaving a compound in the vicinity of Bolocan. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

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

An A-10 performed shows of force to deter enemy activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for coalition ground forces conducting search operations near Kabul. A JTAC reported the missions successful.

In total, 55 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, two coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 42 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 and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, 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 140 airlift sorties were flown, more than 300 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,000 passengers were transported. This included approximately 61,500 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 17, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 248 receiving aircraft.