An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

March 31 airpower summary: C-17s provide heavy airlift

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a guided bomb unit-12 in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the success of the mission.

A British GR-7 Harrier fired rockets in order to destroy enemy combatants in Gereshk . In addition the GR-7 Harrier also performed a show of force in order to deter any further enemy activities. A JTAC reported the success of the missions.

A-10s performed shows of force In order to deter enemy activities in Orgune and Sangin. The success of the missions was confirmed by a JTAC.

In total, 41 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 MQ-1 Predator dropped a hellfire missile in order to destroy an enemy road block in Basra. The success of the mission was declared by a JTAC.

A British GR-4 Tornado performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Baqubah. A JTAC reported the success of the mission.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 55 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-eight Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight RAF 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 149 airlift sorties were flown, 483 tons of cargo delivered and 3,570 passengers were transported. This included approximately 3,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On March 30, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 210 receiving aircraft.