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March 30 airpower summary: A-10s support ground forces

  • Published
Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed shows of force in order to deter enemy combatants in Bermel and Orgune. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In total, 38 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet dropped guided bomb unit-38s in order to destroy an enemy mortar team in a school court yard, a machine gun emplacement and an enemy structure engaging friendly forces in Basra. A JTAC reported the success of the missions.

In Balad, an F-16 dropped a GBU-38 in order to destroy an enemy mortar team that was attacking the air base. The success of the mission was declared by a JTAC.

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator destroyed a group of enemy combatants engaging friendly forces by dropping a hellfire missile in Baghdad. The success of the mission was confirmed by a JTAC.

In order to deter enemy activities an F/A-18 performed a show of force in Nasiriyah. The success of the mission was reported by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 48 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

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

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

Approximately 131 airlift sorties were flown, 449 tons of cargo delivered and 3,686 passengers were transported. This included approximately 63,120 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On March 29, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 250 receiving aircraft.