March 27 airpower summary: F-15Es protects friendly ground forces

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations March 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a United Kingdom Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier used Paveway guided bombs to stop anti-Afghan personnel who were emplacing an improvised explosive device near Musa Qaleh. An Air Force MQ-1B Predator and coalition ground forces surveyed the target and confirmed that the area was clear of civilians prior to the engagement.

A B-1B Lancer used guided bomb unit-38s to destroy a series of enemy fighting positions and a crew-served heavy machine gun near Tarin Kowt. The bomber initiated its run following an enemy ambush from the positions against a coalition unit.
In the vicinity of Asmar, F-15E Strike Eagles used GBU-31s and 38s in response to coalition ground forces receiving small-arms and machine gun fire from an anti-Afghan fighting position. The enemy position was destroyed.

F-15Es dropped GBU-12s and a GBU-38 to strike enemy positions on a hillside outside Nangalam. Coalition ground forces requested the strike after observing armed anti-Afghan personnel gathered in the area.

A coalition aircraft responded when a coalition convoy near Kandahar was ambushed by enemy forces. The aircraft flew two shows of force, providing a deterrent to hostile forces that caused them to cease fire. The aircraft remained in the area providing cover for the convoy as it continued on its mission.

Near Qalat, another convoy under rocket propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire called in an F-15E to perform a show of force. Enemy forces stopped firing and fled the area to avoid being targeted once the aircraft passed over their positions. The jet escorted the convoy from the area, providing armed overwatch.

In the vicinity of Sangin, a coalition aircraft flew a show of force over a compound suspected as the origin of enemy mortar and rocket fire. The maneuver successfully prevented any further enemy attacks from the area.

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-15Es flew shows of force and provided aerial overwatch in multiple areas to deter enemy aggression against coalition ground forces and convoys. 

Joint Terminal Attack Controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 52 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 32 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities, and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Twenty-six Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. 

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa.

About 140 airlift sorties were flown; 500 tons of cargo were delivered; and about 3,300 passengers were transported. 

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

On March 26, Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 218 receiving aircraft.