March 28 airpower summary

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

Air Operations in Afghanistan

Close-Air Support

Asadabad
An Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew released precision-guided munitions against an enemy position. Ground commanders declared the weapons release successful.

A B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed overwatch to friendly ground forces and conducted a show of force. Ground commanders declared the show of force successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces who came under attack by enemy personnel. The aircrews released precision-guided munitions against enemy positions, successfully meeting the ground commander's intent.
 
Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots supported on-scene joint terminal attack controllers and friendly ground forces. The pilots released precision-guided munitions against an enemy position, neutralizing enemy threats, meeting the ground-commander's intent.

Sangin
Coalition pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly ground forces and convoys. Operators released a missile against an enemy position. The weapons release met the ground commander's content.

Mushan
Air Force MQ-9A Reaper operators released a missile against enemy personnel placing an improvised explosive device in a roadway. The weapon release met the ground commander's intent.

Sheykhabad
F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly ground forces who reported taking enemy fire. The aircrews conducted a show of force, releasing flares, to deter enemy action. Ground commanders declared the show of force successful.

F-16C pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces conducting searches of buildings. When friendly ground forces came under small-arms fire from enemy personnel in a mosque, they requested a show of force to deter enemy action. The pilots conducted a show of force, meeting the ground commander's intent.

Asmar
F-16C pilots conducted armed reconnaissance and provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The friendly forces, under attack from small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, requested the pilots release precision-guided munitions against the enemy positions. The pilots released precision-guided munitions and ground commanders reported the engagement was successful.

F-15E aircrews conducted armed reconnaissance near friendly ground forces. Enemy forces attacked with heavy-machine gun and small-arms fire. The aircrews released precision-guided munitions against the enemy positions, successfully neutralizing hostile threats to the friendly forces.

Qal-E-Naw
F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces under attack by enemy forces. The aircrews conducted a show of force, releasing flares. Ground commanders declared the show of force successful.

Sol Tani
F-16C pilots provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces patrol and conducted a show of force to counter enemy small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the show of force successful.

Salerno
F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for a coalition convoy that encountered an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. The aircrews conducted shows of force. Ground commanders declared the shows of force successful.

Musa Qaleh
Marine AV-8B Harrier II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly ground forces and conducted armed reconnaissance. The pilots conducted a show of force, releasing multiple flares, near friendly forces attacked earlier by enemy personnel. The pilots noted that desired effects were achieved.

Khaval
Coalition aircrews conducted armed reconnaissance for a coalition convoy and shows of force and presence, releasing flares. Friendly ground forces reported the shows of force and presence were successful.

Tani
F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces under attack by rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire by enemy forces. The aircrews conducted a show of force to deter enemy action. Ground commanders declared the show of force successful.

Airlift Action

Zabul Province
An Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-airdrop mission in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 20,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.

Oruzgan Province
C-130 aircrews flew combat airdrop missions in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 74,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.

Air Operations in Iraq:

Nothing significant to report today

Airpower Statistics:

Close-Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF and Afghan security forces: 80
Sorties flown to support Operation Iraqi Freedom: 16

Surveillance and Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 35
Sorties flown in Iraq: 28

On March 27:

Air Mobility:
Air Force airlift sorties: 174
Short tons of delivered cargo: 803
Passengers: approximately 4,200
Airdropped cargo: approximately 94,000 pounds

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 47
Fuel delivered: approximately 2.4 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 198

Personnel Recovery, Casualty Evacuation and Aero-medical Evacuations:
Casualty evacuation -- Air Force rescue Airmen transported 16 patients
Saves: 5
Assists: 11
Other: 0
Hero Flights: 0
Sorties flown to support OEF: 9
Sorties flown to support OIF: 2