The Air Force dropped more than 1,700 munitions in 2006 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, a dramatic increase from 176 munitions in 2005. Lt. Gen. Gary North, head of US Central Command Air Forces, credits better intelligence for the increase. The general told Pentagon reporters that the US military’s “great collaboration” with both Afghani and Iraqi forces contributes to better intelligence about insurgents.
Multiple U.S. Air Force F-15 fighters have deployed to the strategic outpost of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to protect the myriad of assets deployed there, including strategic bombers.