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May 17 airpower summary: Strike Eagles strike

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, French Mirage M2000Ds performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in Bermel, Deh Chopan, Qalat and Qal-E-Naw. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Bagram and Orgune. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In the vicinity of Nangalam, F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10s dropped a guided bomb unit-12, GBU-31s, GBU-38s and 500-pound bombs to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces. A JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah and Musa Qala. A JTAC confirmed that the missions were successful.

In the vicinity of Bermel, a B-1B Lancer and F-15Es dropped GBU-31s and GBU-38s to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In the vicinity of Deh Chopan, an F-15E performed a show of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC declared 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 RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Iskandariyah. A JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In the vicinity of Baghdad, an F-16 dropped GBU-38s to destroy a building that was filled with enemy combatants engaging friendly forces with RPG and small-arms fire. A JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 51 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, six Air Force and Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown, 460 tons of cargo were delivered, and 4,550 passengers were transported.

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

On May 16, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 160 receiving aircraft.