April 28 airpower summary: F-15Es fly support missions

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 onto enemy combatants in Maimana. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission a success.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier dropped enhanced Paveway II munitions onto enemy combatants in a building near Garmsir. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

In Nangalam, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-31s onto enemy fighting positions successfully destroying the targets.

F-15Es performed shows of force in the vicinity of Sangin, Bari Kowt, Bermel and Lwara. The shows of force were performed to deter enemy activities in the areas. A JTAC confirmed the missions as successful.

An RAF GR-7 Harrier conducted a show of force over enemy positions in Bermel. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

In total, 26 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fifteen 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 50 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and help deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-five Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force 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 aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 142 airlift sorties were flown, 394 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,247 passengers were transported. This included approximately 17,400 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On April 27, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 180 receiving aircraft.