Dec. 15 airpower summary: F-15Es deter enemy actions

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle released flares during a show of force to deter enemy activities in Sangin. The aircrew also dropped guided bomb unit-38s and a GBU-31 on enemy firing positions. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bombs destroyed the targets.

Enemy activities were deterred through shows of force conducted by F-15Es northeast of Orgune. The JTAC assessed the mission was a success.

An F-15E successfully conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in Musa Qala.

In total, 34 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force and Royal Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s on an enemy compound in Iskandariyah. The JTAC confirmed the bombs destroyed the target.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Basrah. Additionally, the F/A-18 fired cannon rounds to suppress enemy activities. The JTAC reported the missions achieved the desired effect.

An enemy building was struck by a GBU-38 dropped from an F-16 northeast of Baqubah. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

Navy F/A-18 Hornets destroyed Al Qaeda tunnels with a GBU-51 and a GBU-12 in Iskandariyah. The tunnels contained a weapons cache and improvised explosive devices. The mission was reported a success by the JTAC.

A Navy F/A-18 Hornet conducted a show of force by firing flares to suppress enemy fire in Baghdad. The JTAC declared the mission achieved the desired effect.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 68 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-one Air Force and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 143 airlift sorties were flown; 417 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,721 passengers were transported. This included approximately 129,080 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 14, Air Force, French, and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.0 million pounds of fuel to 243 receiving aircraft.