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March 28 airpower summary: C-130s support coalition forces

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Jalalabad and Lwara. In addition a British GR.7 Harrier performed a show of force in Jalalabad. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the success of the missions.

In Qala-e-Naw, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. A JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

In Qalat, a French Mirage-2000 dropped a guided bomb unit-12 in order to destroy an enemy vehicle carrying rocket propelled grenades. In addition M2K's performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Deh Rawod and Gereshk. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In Nangalam, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants. The mission's success was confirmed by the JTAC.

In total, 46 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and a B-1B Dropped GBU-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants in caves and weapon caches in Baqubah.

In Basrah an Air Force MQ-1B Predator dropped a hellfire missile in order to destroy an enemy mortar team. In addition F/A-18 Hornets, F/A-18 Super Hornets, and F-16s performed shows of force in order to deter any further enemy activities. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities F-16s performed shows of force in Baghdad, Mosul, and Qurnah. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In Baghdad, a Predator dropped a hellfire missile in order to destroy improvised explosive device emplacers. The mission's success was confirmed by the JTAC In order to deter enemy activities F/A-18Fs performed shows of force in Mosul and Nasiriyah. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 69 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-eight Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy, and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 157 airlift sorties were flown, 545 tons of cargo were delivered and 4,308 passengers were transported. This included approximately 86,900 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 27, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 252 receiving aircraft.