The SEM also flew strike missions in Operation Enduring Freedom. "Mission Héraclès" starting 21 November 2001 saw the deployment of the aircraft carrier and its Super Étendards in Afghanistan. Operation Anaconda, starting on 2 March 2002 saw extensive use of the Super Étendard in support of French and allied ground troops. Super Étendards returned to operations over Afghanistan in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010–2011. One of their main roles was to carry laser designation pods to illuminate targets for Dassault Rafales.