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U.S. Air Forces Central

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, from the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, flies to a mission objective in eastern Afghanistan, Nov. 26, 2009. The 335th is deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Michael B. Keller)

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Airpower over Afghanistan

Published Dec. 1, 2009
AFCENT Combat Camera Team

OVER AFGHANISTAN -- In the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter squadron building at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, there is a sign on the door that reads, "The mission is the 18 year old with a rifle." The aircrews say this helps them keep in perspective why exactly they're deployed.

Supporting troops on the ground is the mission of the flying community. The Air Force uses several airframes, such as fighters like the Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon or A-10 Thunderbolt II, bombers like the B-1B Lancer and a variety of support aircraft. In addition, the Air Force partners with joint and coalition aircraft on a regular basis, ensuring ground forces have the air cover they need to be successful.

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