May 13 airpower summary: F-15Es destroy enemy targets

Published May 14, 2008

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-12 onto disabled coalition forces vehicles in the vicinity of Qalag in order to keep the vehicles and any equipment out of enemy hands. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission a success.

In Zormat, an F-15E dropped a GBU-31 and a GBU-38 onto enemy positions, successfully destroying the targets.

An F-15E conducted a show of force in the vicinity of Orgune in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The mission was reported as a success by a JTAC.

In Gardez, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force. The shows of force were conducted in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The JTAC confirmed the missions successful.

In total, 46 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped GBU-38s onto enemy targets in the vicinity of Al Amarah. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

In Baghdad, a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet conducted a show of force in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces. The JTAC reported the mission as successful.

An MQ-1 Predator fired a hellfire missile onto enemy combatants in Baghdad. The mission was confirmed as a success by the JTAC.

A Navy F/A-18 Hornet performed a show of force in Basra in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The JTAC reported the mission as a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 62 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-four Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian air force ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy and RAF 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 138 airlift sorties were flown, 402 tons of cargo were delivered and 4,009 passengers were transported.

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

On May 12, Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 54 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 255 receiving aircraft.