Breaking down the initial air assault in Syria

摘要

The United States and its Gulf partners launched an air campaign Sept. 22 against ISIS terrorists based in Syria. During these strikes, F-22 Raptors, deployed to the Persian Gulf region from the 1st Fighter Wing at JB Langley-Eustis, Va., struck an ISIS command and control facility in Ar Raqqah, located in northern Syria. This was the first time the Raptor was used in combat. Other US platforms making strikes included Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, F-16s, B-1B bombers, as well as Navy Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, F/A-18s, EA-6B Prowlers, and unidentified "drones," said Army Lt. Gen. William C. Mayville Jr., Joint Staff director of operations, on Sept. 23. USS Arleigh Burke, USS Philippine Sea, and USS George H. W. Bush also participated in the strikes, which were launched in three waves. Bahrain, Jordana, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates either launched aircraft or "supported" the strikes in the second and third waves. The majority of partner participation took place in the third wave, said Mayville.