May 21 airpower summary: F-15Es strike insurgent compound

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, in Afghanistan in the following operations May 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-38 bombs on an insurgent compound near Kajaki Dam. The aircraft also dropped a GBU-12 and strafed the compound with multiple cannon rounds. The insurgent target was destroyed by the strike. The ground commander ordered the air strike after coalition forces received fire from the compound. 

Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets provided shows of force releasing multiple flares over Tarin Kowt. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the shows of force as successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer performed shows of presence over coalition routes near Garmsir. No incidents were reported while the bomber was in the area. F/A-18s also working in Garmsir, watched over coalition movements in the area. The pilots also conducted tactical reconnaissance on Taliban meeting locations.

Near Orgun-E, French air force Mirage 2000s escorted a coalition convoy to their forward operating base. Later, the pilots provided overwatch for a convoy struck by an improvised explosive device.

F-18s performed successful shows of force over Farah.

In total, 66 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, four Navy and RAF aircraft provided tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds and a Maverick missile at a car carrying weapons in Al Habbaniyah. The first strikes stopped the car and then the pilots dropped a GBU-12 to ensure the vehicle was destroyed.

An Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a Hellfire missile at a car being used to carry IEDs near Al Khalis. The vehicle was completely destroyed. 

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons watched over ground forces and monitored suspicious personnel near Taji.

Near Basrah, a B-1B performed a show of presence over an Iraqi army position engaged with insurgents. Also in Basrah, a RAF GR-4 Tornado provided overwatch for a convoy taking small arms fire. The pilots also searched for IED emplacers in the area. F-16s also looked for IEDs and insurgents in Basrah.

F-16s searched for IEDs and roof-top snipers around Bagdad.

In Diwaniyah, F-16s watched over a coalition patrol hit by an IED. The aircraft stayed with the patrol until the quick response force arrived.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 47 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.

Sixteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two 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 151 airlift sorties were flown, 530 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 2,955 passengers were transported. This included approximately 28,630 pounds of troop supplies airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 20, Air Force, RAF, French air force and Republic of Singapore air force tankers crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 214 receiving aircraft.