March 16 airpower summary: C-130s sustain operations

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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 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles hit enemy positions near Nangalam using guided bomb unit-31s and -38s, intervening after anti-Afghan forces began firing on a coalition unit. The strikes stopped the immediate threat, but ground troops requested the jets fly additional shows of force as a deterrent to enemy action after seeing possible indicators of more hostilities.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier dropped a Paveway guided bomb against an enemy dugout bunker after a ground engagement near Shurakian. The strike succeeded in ending fire from the position, relieving a nearby coalition ground unit.

A coalition aircraft expended several precision munitions, hitting multiple enemy sniper positions near Asmar. A ground observer helped the aircraft target the concealed hides.

Near Qalat, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet conducted a show of force after a coalition ground convoy took a blast from an improvised explosive device and started taking fire. The maneuver disrupted the ambush and secured a safe withdrawal for the convoy.

A flight of Strike Eagles flew shows of force near Lashkar Gah, deterring enemy forces as a convoy traversed the area. The jets also performed a route scan ahead of the convoy and provided armed overwatch.

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

In total, 82 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the 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, four Navy and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, 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-seven 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-17Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown; more than 725 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 3,800 passengers were transported. This included approximately 144,000 pounds of troop resupply that was air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On March 15, Air Force tankers flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 188 receiving aircraft.