March 20 airpower summary: Tankers fuel the fight

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations March 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a Hellfire missile at an enemy compound near Lashkar Gah. Coalition ground forces were receiving enemy fire from within the compound.

Near Farah, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force in response to coalition ground forces taking fire. Strike Eagles and later Air Force B1-B Lancers provided armed overwatch to increase the security for friendly units.

In the Kandahar vicinity, a Predator followed anti-Afghan personnel who were emplacing improvised explosive devices. Once friendly ground forces confirmed the target, the Predator fired a Hellfire missile that successfully killed the enemy personnel.

Coalition aircraft, Strike Eagles, and an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed shows of force in the Ghazni, Bagram, Shurakian and Tarin Kowt areas to deter the threat of enemy aggression on coalition ground forces and convoys.

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

In total, 56 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped guided bomb unit-31s on an enemy cave complex and underground facility in the Baqubah area. Friendly ground personnel confirmed the targets were successfully hit.

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-four Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, three Air Force and coalition 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 200 airlift sorties were flown, 430 tons of cargo were delivered and about 2,900 passengers were transported.

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

On March 18, Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 239 receiving aircraft.