April 14 airpower summary: F-15s destroy enemy combatants

Published April 16, 2008

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bermel, Gardez, Lwara and Orgune. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

French 2000 Mirages performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Kandahar and Musa Qala. The mission's success was reported by a JTAC.

In Asadabad, an F-15E dropped a guided bomb unit-31 in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces. In addition, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force in order to deter any further enemy activities. The success of the mission was declared by a JTAC.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine 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, Air Force MQ-1 Predators dropped Hellfire missiles in order to destroy an enemy mortar team and an enemy vehicle. In addition, a RAF GR-4 Tornado performed a show of force in order to deter any further enemy activities. The success of the mission was confirmed by a JTAC.

In Baghdad, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. A JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 75 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-five Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy 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 148 airlift sorties were flown, 676 tons of cargo delivered and 3,810 passengers were transported. This included approximately 54,040 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 April 12, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 264 receiving aircraft.