May 3 airpower summary: F-15Es bomb enemy positions

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SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and GBU-38s onto enemy positions in the vicinity of Asadabad. The joint terminal attack controller declared the mission successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds onto an enemy building and enemy firing positions in the vicinity of Asadabad. The mission was confirmed as successful by the JTAC.

In Orgune, F-15Es and an A-10 conducted shows of force in order to deter enemy activities against Coalition forces. The JTAC reported the missions successful.

French Air Force Mirage-2000s performed shows of force over enemy positions in Bermel and Musah Qal'eh. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In Bagram, an F-15E dropped a GBU-38 onto enemy combatants in the area. The JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

In total, 46 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-38 onto a house borne improvised explosive device in Baqubah. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

In Baghdad, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet conducted a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The JTAC declared the mission a success.

Air Force MQ-1B Predators fired hellfire missiles onto an enemy building in the vicinity of Baghdad. The missions were confirmed as successful by the JTAC.

In Baqubah, an F-16 performed a show of force over a certain location in order to deter movement of enemy combatants. The JTAC reported the mission as a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 72 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-two Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy 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 151 airlift sorties were flown, 604 tons of cargo delivered and 4,394 passengers were transported. This included approximately 28,470 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 2, Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 59 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 282 receiving aircraft.