June 12 airpower summary: F-15Es provide close-air support

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and a B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-12, 31 and 38s to destroy anti-Afghan forces in a compound and an enemy team armed with rockets in the vicinity of Gardez. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the missions successful. 

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-15Es dropped GBU-12s, a 31, and 38s to destroy anti-Afghan force buildings in the vicinity of Ghazni. A JTAC reported the missions successful.

An Air Force MQ-1B Predator dropped a Hellfire missile to destroy enemy combatants in the vicinity of Musa Qala. A JTAC declared the mission successful. 

A B-1B dropped a GBU-31 and 38 to destroy an improvised explosive device ambush team in the vicinity of Orgun-E. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful. 

A-10s dropped GBU-12s to destroy anti-Afghan forces in a compound in the vicinity of Uruzgan. A JTAC reported the mission successful. 

F-15Es dropped GBU-31s to destroy enemy an enemy rocket position in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

A-10s performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Musa Qala and Sangin. JTACs confirmed the missions successful. 

F-15s performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Orgun-E. JTACs reported the missions successful. 

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier and a French Mirage-2000 performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Gereshk. A JTAC declared the missions successful.

In total, 53 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 55 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 deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-three Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Air Force and Navy 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 135 airlift sorties were flown, 554 tons of cargo delivered, and 2,866 passengers were transported. This included approximately 39,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On June 11, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 230 receiving aircraft.