May 30 airpower: F-15Es provide cover for ground forces

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on insurgents in an area around Asadabad. The B-1 also dropped a GBU-31 on the enemy targets as well. The attack was called successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller. The B-1 also performed shows of force with flares to try to determine an enemy location in Kandahar. There were no reports of gunfire reported after the shows of force.

In Garmsir, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a GBU-38 on an enemy compound. Insurgents had fled to the building after firing on ground forces. The JTAC in the area reported the strike was successful.

Also in Garmsir, a B-1B dropped GBU-38s on an enemy firing position. The aircrew dropped GBU-31s on a building being used to attack coalition forces. The B-1 also provided air support after a helicopter crash in the area.

F-15Es fired GBU-38s and cannon rounds at two insurgent buildings in Sangin. The JTAC reported the buildings were destroyed in the attack. F-15Es also monitored insurgent compounds and firing positions and escorted coalition forces in Sangin.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs supported ground forces fighting enemy personnel in Musa Qala by providing escort to a coalition convoy in the area.

A B-1 provided a show of force for a convoy moving near Qaleh-Ye Now. The aircrew also provided a show of presence over a highway in the area.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier watched over the site of a helicopter crash near Kajaki Dam.

A-10s provided a show of force with flares to keep coalition forces from being attacked in Nangalam. The show of force was successful and the ground forces did not take fire.

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

Eleven Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s on an illegal bridge and on an insurgent vehicle in Baghdad. The drops hit their targets.

Also in Baghdad, an A-10 performed a show of force with multiple flares to prevent an attack on ground forces by the enemy. There were no attacks reported after the A-10's show of force.

U.S. Navy F-18 Hornet aircrews watched for suspicious vehicles and personnel in Baghdad.

Other F-16s dropped GBU-12s on insurgent vehicles near Habbiniyah. The bombs directly impacted the vehicles, according to the JTAC.

An F-18 fired cannon rounds at insurgents planting IEDs along a road in Karmah. The rounds hit their targets and the IED placement was stopped.

Near Balad, F-16s watched over ground units while other F-16s looked for IED emplacers in Taji.  A-10s also looked for improvised explosive devices and suspicious vehicles around the area.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 60 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.

Fifteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Air Force, Navy and RAF fighter 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 128 airlift sorties were flown; more than 535 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 2,607 passengers were transported. This included approximately 24,736 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 29, Air Force, RAF, French and Republic of Singapore tankers flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 233 receiving aircraft.