March 10 airpower summary: A-10s conduct shows of force

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper used Hellfire missiles to target a group of anti-Afghan gunmen operating an illegal checkpoint near Kandahar. The group was spotted by a coalition ground unit in the area, who coordinated with the drone operator to ensure civilians were not in danger when the airstrike occurred.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle hit a group of anti-Afghan forces in an open field with a guided bomb unit-12 after an engagement between the enemy personnel and coalition ground units. The individuals had been firing their assault rifles at coalition soldiers which prompted the air response.

A Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet conducted a show of force and expended flares near Tarin Kowt for a friendly convoy under fire from enemy forces. The show of force caused the enemy to stop firing and retreat from the area. The convoy completed its mission successfully.

In the vicinity of Malek Din, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II preemptively flew a show of force in the route of a coalition convoy, expending flares. The maneuver was intended to discourage enemy action while the convoy passed a point where enemy forces historically set up ambushes.

Air Force and Navy aircraft flew shows of force to deter enemy activity in several other areas of Afghanistan in support of Afghan National Army and coalition missions. The additional security presence provided by the aircraft prevented combat and risk to Afghan civilians while ensuring the success of reconstruction and security missions.

On-scene joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 76 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 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-nine Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, three coalition and 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 125 airlift sorties were flown, more than 425 tons of cargo was delivered and about 3,800 passengers were transported. This included approximately 33,000 pounds of supplies that were airdropped over Afghanistan.

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

On March 9, Air Force tanker crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 224 receiving aircraft