Feb. 26 airpower: F-15Es provide show of force

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 26.

In Afghanistan Feb. 25, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided shows of force for a convoy receiving small arms fire in Pashsbad. A joint terminal attack controller reported that two individuals were firing at the convoy.

The F-15Es were requested to provide additional shows of force so that the convoy could cross a river valley. The F-15E pilots reported that the shows of force were successful. Individuals previously firing at the convoy, dropped their weapons and ran up a ridgeline while the convoy crossed the river with no further incidents.

French M2000 Mirages performed shows of force, expending multiple flares for coalition forces in contact with enemy forces in Musa Qal'eh.

U.S. Navy F/A -18 Hornets conducted non-traditional surveillance and reconnaissance for suspicious activity along a road near Forward Operating Base Carlson. Other F/A-18s were assigned to provide reconnaissance escort for International Security Assistance Forces in Qalat and to investigate a mortar point of origin. 

A JTAC reported that coalition troops were receiving fire from insurgent ground forces near the same area of Qalat.  The JTAC passed the coordinates of the enemy firing location to  Air Force B1-B Lancers as well as the location of coalition forces. In a synchronized effort, the B1-Bs dropped guided bomb unit-38s on the enemy location.  The pilots, JTAC and defensive systems officer observed a good impact.  It was further noted that the ground commander's intent was achieved and the impact was successful based on the JTAC's observations.

Air Force F-15Es were assigned to support coalition forces receiving small arms fire from enemy forces to the southwest. The JTAC passed coordinates near an open field and assigned the F15Es to conduct a search for enemy activity in the area. They were later assigned to provide close-air support for an air refueling mission to the north.

The JTACs are highly trained Airmen who advise ground commanders on appropriate airpower support, relay the ground commander's intent to airpower assets overhead and communicate with aircrews for precise engagement.

In total, 34 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Six Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots were assigned to monitor suspicious activity where they observed 30 to 40 people behind a building. The F-16s were then assigned to provide over-watch for troops in contact with enemy forces. After the incident was declared over, the F-16s conducted counter improvised explosive device missions on local roads in the area.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 48 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Additionally, 15 Air Force, Navy and Royal Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Air Force fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Nearly 155 airlift sorties were flown; more than715 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 2,470 passengers were transported. This included more than 80,820 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in eastern Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada and South Korea flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On Feb 24, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 37 sorties and off-loaded more than 2 million pounds of fuel which is the equivalent to nearly 62 full Air Force fuel trucks.