Operation Hammer Down II

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, from the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, like the ones shown here, helped provide 176 consecutive hours of air support and drop more than 100 bombs in support of Operation Hammer Down II. Air Force close air support assets played a critical role in the success of the operation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael B. Keller)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, from 555th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, like the one shown here, helped provide 176 consecutive hours of air support and drop more than 100 bombs in support of Operation Hammer Down II. Air Force close air support assets played a critical role in the success of the operation.

Senior Airman Michael McAffrey from Tacoma, Wash., a joint terminal attack controller with the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron, Washington Air National Guard, patrols alongside a field near Khanda Village, Laghman province, Afghanistan, June 18. JTACS like McAffrey were a critical asset to Army ground commanders during Operation Hammer Down II.

U.S. Army soldiers from D Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, alongside the Afghanistan National Army soldiers, advance toward a hill top to set up security during Operation Hammer Down in the Watahpur District of Kunar province, Afghanistan, June 26. The operation was a coalition effort to disrupt insurgents operating and training throughout the Pech Valley. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tia Sokimson)