May 27 airpower summary: F-15Es destroy enemy combatants

Published May 28, 2008

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s and 38s to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces in the vicinity of Nagalam. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the mission was successful.

To deter enemy activities, F-15Es performed shows of force in the vicinity of Bagram, Bermel, Gardez and Sharona. JTACs reported that the missions were successful.

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a GBU-12 and 500 pound bombs to destroy enemy combatants in the vicinity of Shinkay. A JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

A B-1B Lancer dropped a GBU-38 to destroy enemy combatants in the vicinity of Qal-E-Naw. A JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

An MQ-9 Reaper dropped a GBU-12 in order to destroy enemy combatants in Kandahar. A JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In total, 47 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force and Royal Air Force Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 55 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-two Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 130 airlift sorties were flown, 290 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,940 passengers were transported. This included approximately 71,880 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 26, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 214 receiving aircraft.