Airpower Summary for March 19

Photo By Staff Sgt. Olufemi Owolabi | An F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off for a combat mission in Iraq at Balad Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Olufemi A. Owolabi)  

AFGHANISTAN

03.20.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central     

By U.S. Air Forces Central Command

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations on March 19, according to combined air and space operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bagram, Kandahar and Orgune. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Now Zad, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s in order to destroy enemy combatants in a compound engaging friendly forces with mortar fire. The success of the mission was reported by the JTAC.

In Qalat, a B-1B dropped GBU-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

In Farah, a British GR.7 dropped a 540-pound bomb and Enhanced Paveway II munitions in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces. The success of the mission was confirmed by the JTAC.

In order to deter enemy activities French Mirage-2000s performed shows of force in Kabul, Khowst, and Now Zad.

In total, 44 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven Air Force and Royal 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, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-12s in order to destroy an enemy vehicle. The success of the mission was reported by the JTAC.

In Basrah F-16s dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy enemy rocket tubes at enemy rocket positions. In addition an F-16 performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Mosul. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 70 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 Royal air force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 158 airlift sorties were flown; 666 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,454 passengers were transported. This included approximately 89,880 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Canada, Iraq, and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On March 18, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal air force aerial refueling crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 234 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 03.20.2008
• Date Posted: 03.20.2008 15:47
• Story ID: 17600
• Location: AF