Airpower Summary for March 18

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.20.2010

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations March 18 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Close Air Support

Qal E Naw, Regional Command-West
U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews released precision-guided munitions against enemy forces and conducted a show of force to deter further enemy action.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew relieved F-15 E aircrews in the area and released numerous precision-guided munitions against enemy forces firing small arm against friendly forces from a ridgeline upon the request of a joint terminal attack controller. The weapons releases were declared successful by the JTAC and the aircrew continued to provide overwatch for friendly forces.

Musa Qala RC-S
Coalition aircrews conducted shows of force, releasing numerous flares, in support of friendly ground forces in contact with enemy forces. The ground commander declared the shows of force successful.

U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircrews conducted a show of force against enemy forces. Ground forces in the area declared the show of force successful and requested aircrews conduct a strafing run near the enemy forces to deter enemy action. The aircrews conducted a strafing run, meeting the ground commander's intent.

A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for Coalition forces. Pilots conducted a show of force requested by a joint terminal attack controller above a possible enemy fighting position, releasing numerous flares. The JTAC declared the show of force successful.

Kowst, RC-E
U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots conducted a show of force above friendly forces receiving enemy fire. Ground forces declared the show of force was successful.


Asmar, RC-E
U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews, providing armed overwatch for friendly forces, received a request to support a separate group of friendly forces under hostile fire. The aircrews released precision-guided munitions against enemy fighting positions, allowing friendly forces to break contact with the enemy.

Gardez, RC-E
U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots provided armed overwatch and armed reconnaissance for Coalition forces. The pilots conducted shows of force, with flares, to deter enemy action.

U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots conducted armed reconnaissance of areas surrounding friendly forces. After searching possible enemy fighting positions on higher ground, the pilots conducted a show of force to deter enemy activity. A joint terminal attack controller declared the show of force successful.

Tirgari, RC-E
U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for a friendly convoy and friendly personnel at a combat outpost. Following small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenade and indirect fire attacks on friendly forces, the aircrews conducted a show of force, releasing multiple flares. Ground forces declared the show of force successful.
Remak, RC-E
U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly ground forces. Friendly forces requested a show of force to deter enemy action. The show of force was declared successful.

Almar, RC-S
U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews conducted a show of force upon request of ground forces. The aircrew's actions deterred enemy action against Coalition forces.

Chahar Bagh, RC-S
U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet pilots conducted a show of force. Ground forces declared the show of force successful.


Airlift Action

Zabul Province, RC-S
U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrews flew combat-resupply missions in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 52,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.

Konar Province, RC-E
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Konar Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 30,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.


Air Operations in Iraq:

Nothing significant to report.

Air Power Statistics:

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 79
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 14

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 36
Sorties flown in Iraq: 30

On March 17
Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 164
Short tons of delivered cargo: 810
Passengers: approximately 3,500
Airdropped cargo: approximately 80,000 pounds

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 41
Fuel delivered: approximately 2.3 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 196

Personnel Recovery, Casualty Evacuation and Aero-medical Evacuations:
Casualty Evacuation -- Air Force Rescue Airmen transported 11 patients
Saves: 4
Assists: 7
Other: 0
Hero Flights: 0
Sorties flown to support OEF: 33
Sorties flown to support OIF: 2

• Date Taken: 03.20.2010
• Date Posted: 03.20.2010 13:13
• Story ID: 46934
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)