Dec. 22 airpower summary: F-15s support coalition forces

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SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle deterred enemy activities through a show of force with flares conducted north of Deh Rawod. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the mission as successful.

Coalition troops were supported by multiple aircraft during a hostile engagement with enemy combatants north of Tarin Kowt. Guided bomb unit-38s and GBU-31s were fired by F-15Es and a B-1B Lancers. A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped GBU-38s and general purpose 500 pound bombs. GBU-12s and cannon rounds were also fired by F-15s and A-10s. The munitions struck enemy mortar sites and firing positions. An enemy held cave and a compound were also hit. The JTAC confirmed the strikes as successful.

In Nowzad, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier successfully performed a show of force to deter further enemy action.

Enemy activities were deterred through a show force conducted in Musa Qala by a GR-9. The mission was reported as a success.

An F-15E show of force demonstration deterred enemy action against a coalition convoy moving through Orgune. The mission was declared by JTAC as successful.

A French Mirage 2000 successfully performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Musa Qala.

In total, 39 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a hellfire missile against enemy combatants northeast of Baqubah. The missile destroyed the intended targets.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons successfully conducted shows of force to deter enemy action northwest of Al Kut.

A RAF GR-4 Tornado performed a show of force to deter enemy action in Tikrit. Friendly forces were conducting a patrol in the area. The mission was deemed as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 56 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported 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 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Air Force, Navy, and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 141 airlift sorties were flown, 478 tons of cargos were delivered and 3,490 passengers were transported. This included approximately 93,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 Hercules crews from Australia, Canada, and Iraq flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Dec. 21,  Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.0 million pounds of fuel to 251 receiving aircraft. 



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AFGHANISTAN - Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles were among Air Force aircrafts who took part during an engagement on December 22 in Tarin Kowt. The F-15s supported Coalition forces that engaged in with enemy forces. GBU-38s, GBU-12s, GBU-31s, and cannon rounds were fired against enemy personnel and firing positions. (Released)