March 21 airpower summary: F-15Es target anti-Afghan forces

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations March 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs intervened near Nangalam after anti-Afghan forces launched an attack against a coalition forward base. The jets used strafes and guided bomb unit-31s and -38s to knock out enemy indirect fire and automatic-weapons positions on mountain ridges overlooking the base. The strikes, combined with fire from coalition ground units and from troops at the forward base, put a halt to the enemy attack.

Near Sheykhabad, F-15Es performed shows of force and expended flares after anti-Afghan personnel exploded an improvised device against a coalition convoy and initiated an ambush. The enemy personnel ceased fire and pulled back following the maneuver. The Strike Eagles continued flying overwatch as coalition personnel transferred equipment and proceeded with their mission.

In the vicinity of Jalalabad, an A-10 flew a show of force near a coalition border checkpoint after enemy forces fired mortars towards the outpost. The maneuver prevented additional enemy activity or fire against the base.

Near Ghazni, a coalition aircraft performed a show of force over a friendly position to increase local security presence and deter anti-Afghan forces. A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier performed a similar mission near Garmser.

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

In total, 74 close-air-support missions were flown in support of 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 and Marine F/A-18A Hornets dropped GBU-38s, blowing up several terrorist bunkers and facilities near Ba'qubah. The strikes significantly reduced the resources available to the terrorist group as part of a larger campaign to reduce terrorists' ability to operate in the region.

Coalition aircraft flew 28 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 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 175 airlift sorties were flown, 375 tons of cargo were delivered and about 2,800 passengers were transported.

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

On March 19, Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 38 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 175 receiving aircraft.