March 18 airpower summary Published March 20, 2010 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations March 18 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Air Operations in Afghanistan: Close-Air Support Qal E Naw Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews released precision-guided munitions against enemy forces and conducted a show of force to deter further enemy action. An Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew relieved F-15 E aircrews in the area and, upon the request of an on-scene joint terminal attack controller, released numerous precision-guided munitions against enemy forces firing small arms against friendly forces from a ridgeline. The weapons releases were declared successful by the JTAC and the aircrew continued to provide overwatch for friendly forces. Musa Qala Coalition aircrews conducted shows of force, releasing numerous flares, in support of friendly ground forces in contact with enemy forces. The ground commander declared the shows of force successful. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircrews conducted a show of force against enemy forces. Ground forces in the area declared the show of force successful and requested aircrews conduct a strafing run near the enemy forces to deter enemy action. The aircrews conducted the strafing run, meeting the ground commander's intent. A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for coalition forces. The pilots conducted a show of force requested by an on-scene JTAC, releasing numerous flares above a possible enemy fighting position. The JTAC declared the show of force successful. Kowst Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots conducted a show of force above friendly forces receiving enemy fire. Ground forces declared the show of force was successful. Asmar F-15E aircrews, providing armed overwatch for friendly forces, received a request to support a separate group of friendly forces under hostile fire. The aircrews released precision-guided munitions against enemy fighting positions, allowing friendly forces to break contact with the enemy. Gardez F-16C pilots provided armed overwatch and armed reconnaissance for coalition forces. The pilots conducted shows of force, with flares, to deter enemy action. Other F-16C pilots conducted armed reconnaissance of areas surrounding friendly forces. After searching possible enemy fighting positions on higher ground, the pilots conducted a show of force to deter enemy activity. An on-scene JTAC declared the show of force successful. Tirgari F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for a friendly convoy and friendly personnel at a combat outpost. Following small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenade and indirect fire attacks on friendly forces, the aircrews conducted a show of force, releasing multiple flares. Ground forces declared the show of force successful. Remak F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly ground forces who later requested a show of force to deter enemy action. The show of force was declared successful. Almar F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews conducted a show of force upon request of ground forces. The aircrew's actions deterred enemy action against coalition forces. Chahar Bagh F/A-18C Hornet pilots conducted a show of force. Ground forces declared the show of force successful. Airlift Action Zabul Province Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrews flew combat-resupply missions in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 52,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces. Konar Province A C-130 aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Konar Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 30,000 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: 79 Sorties flown to support Operation Iraqi Freedom: 14 Surveillance and Reconnaissance: Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 36 Sorties flown in Iraq: 30 On March 17: Air Mobility: Air Force airlift sorties: 164 Short tons of delivered cargo: 810 Passengers: approximately 3,500 Airdropped cargo: approximately 80,000 pounds Aerial Refueling: Sorties flown: 41 Fuel delivered: approximately 2.3 million pounds Aircraft refueled: 196 Personnel Recovery, Casualty Evacuation and Aero-medical Evacuations: Casualty evacuation -- Air Force rescue Airmen transported 11 patients Saves: 4 Assists: 7 Other: 0 Hero Flights: 0 Sorties flown to support OEF: 33 Sorties flown to support OIF: 2