Airpower Summary for March 7

Courtesy Photo | An A-10 Thunderbolt II sits on a ramp at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, waiting for its next mission. A-10s provide close-air support for coalition troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Oquendo)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.08.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central       

By Central Air Force

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Mar. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-12 in order to destroy enemy combatants in Musa Qala. In addition a show of force was performed in order to deter any further enemy activities. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In total, 45 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal air force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 56 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-five Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and Royal air force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown; 913 tons of cargo delivered, and 2,842 passengers were transported. This included approximately 31,000 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 Mar. 6, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 244 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 03.08.2008
• Date Posted: 03.08.2008 17:35
• Story ID: 17159
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)