Nov. 15 airpower summary: Crew chiefs keep missions flying

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted air strikes against enemy positions with a guided bomb unit-31 and GBU-38s in Gereshk. Enemy combatants at the locations were engaging coalition forces with small-arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission was a success.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs engaged enemy combatants and enemy-fighting positions with cannon rounds and a GBU-38 in Gereshk. Shows of force were also performed to deter enemy actions in the area. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

A B-1B conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in Kabul. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

Navy F/A-18 Hornets targeted an enemy-fighting position with GBU-38s in Asadabad. Coalition forces were being engaged by enemy combatants. The mission was deemed successful by the JTAC.

In Deh Rawod, Navy F/A-18 destroyed an enemy compound with a GBU-12 and a GBU-38. Enemy combatants were engaging coalition forces from the compound. Shows of force were performed in the area to deter further enemy activities. The mission was reported as a success.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle engaged enemy combatants with a GBU-38 in Asadabad. The strike ceased enemy actions against coalition forces. The JTAC reported the mission was a success.

In support of coalition forces on the ground, F/A-18s targeted enemy combatants with cannon fire in Gardez. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

During an armed overwatch, F-15s performed shows of force over a coalition convoy to deter enemy activities in Orgune. The mission was assessed as successful by the JTAC.

Shows of force with flares were conducted by F/A-18s to deter enemy activities in Sangin. The JTAC deemed the mission as successful.

Enemy activities were deterred by an F/A-18 show of force performed in Zormat. The mission was reported as successful by the JTAC.

An F/A-18 performed a show of force in Kabul to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared the mission was a success.

An F-15E conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in Bagram. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

An A-10 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Bagram. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

In total, 51 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, enemy combatants were struck by a GBU-12 from an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon in Baqubah. The JTAC confirmed the strike was a success.

During the same mission, an enemy boat was struck by cannon rounds fired from an F-16 in Baqubah. The boat was destroyed to deny enemy combatants transportation along the river. The mission was assessed as a success by the JTAC.

An F-16 released flares in a show of force to deter enemy activities in Bayji. The JTAC declared the mission a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 42 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-six Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two 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.

Approximately 165 airlift sorties were flown; 438 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,298 passengers were transported. This included approximately 10,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 14, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 234 receiving aircraft.