March 25 airpower summary: B-1B protects coalition 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 during operations March 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s against anti-Afghan firing positions after enemy forces engaged coalition ground troops. The strike, near Tarin Kowt, impacted the target and ended enemy hostile fire. A coalition aircraft also performed a show of force in the area to deter additional enemy activity.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle flew a show of force near Orgun in order to allow a coalition convoy under heavy enemy fire to break contact and withdraw. Enemy troops had poured on mortar and assault weapons fire at the convoy's vehicles but ceased fire to avoid being targeted after the aircraft arrived on scene.

A Navy F/A-18C Hornet and an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II executed shows of force near Garmser and Tigari respectively as deterrent to enemy attack on friendly convoys. The aircraft provided a strong additional level of security to prevent interference with delivery of humanitarian and reconstruction supplies to Afghan residents.

Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 79 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Sixteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, four Navy and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons flying near Ba'qubah provided cover for Iraqi and coalition security forces' operations, responding to an insurgent attack against friendly troops with several strikes. The aircraft employed GBU-38s and multiple cannon strafes against enemy targets, which included armed gunmen, insurgent vehicles, and enemy positions.

Coalition aircraft flew 25 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-five Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. 

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

Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown, 625 tons of cargo were delivered and about 3,500 passengers were transported.

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

On March 24, Air Force tankers flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 166 receiving aircraft.