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Airpower Summary for March 16

  • Published
  • Combined Air and Space Operations Center
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Mar. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and a B-1B Lancer dropped Guided Bomb Unit-12s in order to destroy an enemy machine gun and enemy combatants engaging Friendly Forces in Asadabad. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in Bermel, Gereshk, Orgune, and Sangin. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In Bermel, F-15s dropped GBU-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy mortar positions who were engaging Friendly Forces. In addition an A-10 performed a shows of force in order to deter any further enemy activity.
The JTAC reported the success of the missions.

In Deh Rawood, a show of force was performed by a French Mirage-2000 in order to deter enemy activities. The success of the mission was confirmed by the JTAC.

An Air Force MQ-1B Predator dropped a hellfire missile in order to destroy enemy Improvised Explosive Devices emplacers in Kandahar. The success of the mission was reported by the JTAC.

In total, 37 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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


In Iraq, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Basrah and Baqubah. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In Al Kut, a British GR.4 Tornado performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The success of the mission was confirmed by the JTAC.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 64 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-four Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force 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-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 165 airlift sorties were flown; 667 tons of cargo delivered, and 4,159 passengers were transported. This included approximately 112,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Mar. 15, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.2 million pounds of fuel to 148 receiving aircraft.