May 8 airpower: F-15Es provide overwatch power

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on anti-coalition militia in a tree line near Garmser. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the attacks were extremely effective. The aircrew also provided a show of presence over a highway in the area.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped general-purpose 500-pound bombs and fired cannon rounds on an anti-coalition militia compound near Kajaki Dam. The compound was completely destroyed,according to a JTAC.

Near Malek Din, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed a show of force for coalition forces searching for a suspected rocket-propelled grenade attacker. The aircrew also provided overwatch during the raid that followed.

In total, 50 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, four U.S. Navy and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-12s and GBU-38s and fired cannon rounds at insurgents driving two trucks near Baghdad. A JTAC confirmed the two vehicles were destroyed. The pilots then conducted counter-improvised explosive device overwatch in the area for coalition forces.

While on a reconnaissance mission, A-10s reported individuals moving objects between two houses near Baghdad. Nearby, the pilots provided overhead coverage for coalition forces and reported the coordinates of an IED.

Other A-10s conducted counter-IED missions on multiple routes near Baghdad. The A-10s then provided armed overwatch for coalition forces receiving small-arms fire. The pilots reported individuals on a rooftop at the scene.

Near Baquba, other A-10s performed counter-IED reconnaissance and searched for possible insurgent fighting positions. The pilots reported the coordinates of a suspected IED to ground forces.

Also in Baquba, F-16s performed reconnaissance for IED hotspots, suspicious vehicles and for mortar and IED placement activity. The pilots also performed overwatch for coalition forces engaging a vehicle containing unexploded ordnance.

Other F-16s performed counter-IED measures near Balad and watched over ground forces moving in the area.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 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.

Seventeen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force 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 160 airlift sorties were flown; more than 565 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 1,775 passengers were transported.

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

On May 7, Air Force, French, Republic of Singapore and RAF tankers flew 47 sorties and off-loaded almost 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 232 receiving aircraft.