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Airpower Summary for March 12

  • 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 March 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer, an F-15E Strike Eagle, and an MQ-1B Predator dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-31, 38, and a hellfire missile in order to destroy an Improvised Explosive Device facility, an enemy structure, and enemy combatants in Sangin. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Sangin, a British GR.7 dropped a 540lb bomb in order to destroy enemy mortar positions who were engaging Friendly Forces. In addition a French Mirage-2000 and a GR.7 performed shows of force in order to deter any additional enemy activities. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In Qalat, F-15s and a B-1B dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy enemy combatants who were engaging Friendly Forces. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In Nangalam, an Air Force A-10 performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The success of the mission was confirmed by the JTAC.

In order to deter enemy activities Mirage-2000 performed shows of force in Bermel. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

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

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy booby trapped weapons caches. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 50 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-five Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two 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 161 airlift sorties were flown; 511 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,367 passengers were transported. This included approximately 24,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 251 receiving aircraft March 11.