Nov. 22 airpower summary: F-16s support ground troops

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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 Nov. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles targeted enemy combatants in Asadabad with guided bomb unit-38s. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces in the area. The mission was reported as a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

French Mirage 2000s destroyed enemy mortar positions in Asadabad with GBU-12s. The JTAC reported the mission was successful.

During an engagement in Uruzgan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer targeted multiple enemy combatants and positions with GBU-31s and GBU-38s. The strikes were reported a success by the JTAC.

Shows of force were performed in Bagram and Now Zad by a B-1B to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported the shows of force were successful.

Southeast of Jalalabad, F-15Es conducted shows of force using flares to deter enemy activities. The mission was assessed as a success by the JTAC.

During the same mission, an enemy mortar position located in Tarin Kowt was hit with a GBU-38 from an F-15E. In addition, a bunker was also struck with a GBU-31. The strike successfully destroyed both targets. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

A show of force was performed by an F-15E to deter enemy activities in Kajaki Dam. The JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

A GBU-31 from an F-15E destroyed an enemy cave located in Uruzgan. The JTAC deemed the mission as a success.

An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper engaged enemy combatants in Tarin Kowt with a GBU-12 and a hellfire missile . The mission was reported as a success.

Shows of force with flares were performed by Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs to deter enemy actions in Jalalabad. The mission was assessed as successful by the JTAC.

In total, 38 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons engaged enemy targets with GBU-12s and GBU-38s in Samarra. The JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

An F-16 struck an enemy vehicle with a GBU-12 located south of Baghdad. The vehicle was being used to transport enemy combatants and weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades. The JTAC declared the mission as successful.

Navy F-18 Hornets conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in An Numaniyah. The mission was reported as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 54 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-seven Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Some 152 airlift sorties were flown, 585 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,539 passengers were transported.

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

On Nov. 21, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 217 receiving aircraft.