Airpower Summary for March 27

Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Shaun Bennet (left) and Senior Airman Maurice Williams, 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron jet engine technicians inspect B-1B Bomber internal compressor blades during an engine borescope inspection. In recent weeks, Airmen from the 379th EAMXS have supported the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron?s persistent presence in Iraq and Afghanistan to support increased operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Miller)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.28.2007

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central     

SOUTHWEST ASIA - In Afghanistan, A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped Guided Bomb Unit-31s on four insurgent buildings near Sangin. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the targets were directly hit.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided aerial reconnaissance for an ambushed Coalition convoy near Sangin. The F-15E pilots reported coordinates of enemies moving away from area.

Also near Sangin, other U.S. Air Force F-15Es dropped GBU-38s, GBU-39s, GBU- 12s and GBU-31s on insurgent buildings and enemy firing positions. The F-15Es also fired cannon rounds at insurgents concealed in vegetation. The JTAC confirmed the buildings were destroyed and enemy firing positions were hit.

Other Air Force F-15Es provided armed reconnaissance for a Coalition convoy leaving Forward Operating Base Price. The pilots supported the convoy while they established two vehicle check points near Sangin.

Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers dropped Advance Paveway II munitions on a building and compound where insurgents were firing upon enemy forces near Now Zad. A JTAC confirmed successful hits and enemy fire ceased.

In total, 37 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven U.S. Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided a show of force for Coalition forces receiving small arms fire near Hawijah. A JTAC reported the show of force was successful.

Other U.S. Air Force F-16s provided shows of force for wounded Coalition troops who were being evacuated near Baqubah.

Near Taji, other U.S. Air Force F-16s provided overwatch for Coalition forces ground activity. The F-16s also conducted counter improvised explosive device reconnaissance in the same area.

Also near Taji, other U.S. Air Force F-16s provided a show of force over a large crater where a vehicle borne IED exploded. A JTAC confirmed the show of force successful and no other attacks were reported.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolts IIs provided a show of force for an Iraqi forces police station and mosque compound receiving small arms fire near Baghdad.

The A-10s remained in the area to provide escort for Coalition convoys returning to Forward Operating Base Liberty.

Near Kankirawan, U.S. Air Force F-16s provided reconnaissance for fleeing enemies in multiple locations. The F-16s also searched several routes and a five-way intersection for IEDs.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 52 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions provided support to Coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Additionally, 15 U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. A U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft performed in a non-traditional ISR role with electro-optical and infrared sensors.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Nearly 136 airlift sorties were flown; nearly 400 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,975 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Japan flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On March 26, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force and French Air Force crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.5 million pounds of fuel.

• Date Taken: 03.28.2007
• Date Posted: 03.29.2007 08:15
• Story ID: 9660
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)