July 26 Airpower Summary: F-15Es deter enemy forces Published July 27, 2008 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations July 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, near Gardez, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31, GBU-12s, and performed shows of force to deter anti-Afghan activities. In addition an Air Force Predator (MQ-1B) fired hellfire missiles onto additional anti-Afghan positions. The joint terminal attack controllers confirmed the missions successful. In the vicinity of Nangalam an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped 500 pound bombs and fired rockets onto anti-Afghan fighting positions. The mission was reported a success by the JTAC. An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-31s and GBU-38s onto enemy combatants firing at a coalition convoy near Shinkay. The JTAC declared the mission successful. In the vicinity of Tani, an MQ-1B Predator fired hellfire missiles onto anti-Afghan forces using machine gun fire and rocket propelled grenades against Afghan national security forces. Furthermore, an F-15E conducted a show of force to provide armed aerial security patrol in the area. The mission was confirmed a success by the JTAC. A Royal Air Force GR.7 Harrier performed a show of force to deter enemy forces activity near Kandahar. The JTAC reported the mission successful. In the vicinity of Kowtale, an F-15E conducted shows of force to deter anti-Afghan activity. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC. In total, 54 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Fourteen Air Force and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 44 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with Coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities. Twenty-three Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force, and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 128 airlift sorties were flown; 428 tons of cargo delivered, and 1,562 passengers were transported. Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Iraq flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On July 25, U.S. Air Force, French, and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 257 receiving aircraft.