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Airpower Summary for March 4

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-38 and 31s in order to destroy enemy combatants in Lwara. In addition a show of force was performed in order to deter any further enemy activities. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Asadabad, F-15s dropped GBU-31s in order to destroy enemy combatants in caves. The success of the mission was reported by the JTAC.

In order to deter enemy activities British GR.7 Harriers performed shows of force in Orgune and Sangin. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In Sangin, a GR.7 dropped an Enhanced Paveway II munition in order to destroy enemy combatants. The JTAC confirmed that the missions were successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy an enemy vehicle and enemy combatants. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In Khowst, an F-15 performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In total, 42 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 surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, a British GR.4 Tornado dropped EPW-II in order to destroy an enemy rocket position. In addition a show of force was performed in order to deter enemy activities in Basrah. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

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-five Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy 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 147 airlift sorties were flown; 469 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,644 passengers were transported. This included approximately 28,480 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Mar. 3, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 198 receiving aircraft.