May 15 airpower summary: Reaper strikes enemy

Published May 19, 2008

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an MQ-9 Reaper dropped a guided bomb unit-12 and fired Hellfire missiles onto enemy combatants in the vicinity of Sangin. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission successful.

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force in Bagram and Sangin to deter enemy activities in the area. The missions were reported as successful by a JTAC.

In Nangalam, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a GBU-38 onto an enemy combatant fighting position. A JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

Royal Air Force GR-9 Harriers fired rockets onto enemy combatants in the vicinity of Sangin. The GR-9s performed shows of force in the area to deter enemy activities against coalition forces. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC.

Shows of force were conducted by F-15Es in Bagram, Asadabad and Gardez to deter enemy activities in those areas. A JTAC reported the missions as successful.

In total, 51 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven 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, shows of force were performed by F-16 Fighting Falcons to deter enemy activities in Baqubah and Iskandariyah. The missions were confirmed as successful by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 64 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-one 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 140 airlift sorties were flown, 343 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,827 passengers were transported. This included approximately 1,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 14, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 59 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 281 receiving aircraft.