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Airpower Summary for March 9

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a general-purpose 500 pound bomb and fired cannon rounds onto enemy combatants in the vicinity of Nangalam. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller declared the mission a success.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-31s and GBU-38s onto enemy combatant locations in the vicinity of Nangalam. Furthermore, a show of force was conducted by an F-15 in order to deter enemy activities against Coalition Forces in the area. The missions were reported as successful by the JTAC.

In Bari Kowt, a show of force was performed by an A-10. The show of force was performed over an enemy location. The JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

Shows of force were conducted by A-10s in the vicinity of Orgune to deter enemy activities against friendly forces. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In total, 38 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, a Royal Air Force Tornado GR.4 fired cannon rounds onto an enemy location in Basrah. The JTAC reported the mission as a success.

In Balad, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities against Coalition Forces in the area. The mission was confirmed as successful by the JTAC.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 52 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-six Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq.
Additionally, four Air Force and 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 141 airlift sorties were flown; 700 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,543 passengers were transported.

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

U.S. Air Force, French and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 222 receiving aircraft March 8.