July 21 airpower summary: F-15Es deter anti-Afghan activities

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto a friendly forces vehicle near Khowst. The vehicle had been severely damaged by an improvised explosive device two days earlier. It was destroyed to deny the enemy access to potentially salvageable parts. The mission was confirmed successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Now Zad, a MQ-1Predator fired a Hellfire missile and dropped GBU-12s onto an enemy compound. Additionally, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s and 31s onto an enemy compound and enemy combatants. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

French 2000 Mirages dropped GBU-12s onto enemy mortars and weapons caches. The mission was reported successful by a JTAC.

Near Shinkay, a B-1B dropped GBU-31s and 38s onto enemy combatants, enemy mortar teams and fighting positions. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

Navy F/A-18C Hornets conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Musa Qala. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

F-15Es performed a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activities near Khowst. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

French 2000 Mirages conduced a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Tarin Kowt. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

In total, 67 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Qursysh, Qarah Tappan and Fallujah.  A JTAC reported the mission successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 54 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 terrorist activities.

Twenty-seven Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. 

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

Approximately 129 airlift sorties were flown, 538 tons of cargo delivered and 1,400 passengers were transported. This included approximately 30,000 pounds of supplies airdropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq, and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On July 20, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 66 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 318 receiving aircraft.