March 6 airpower summary: Strike Eagles protect convoys

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles destroyed several enemy bunkers in the Orgun region, using guided bomb unit-31 and -38s. The jets engaged at the request of a coalition patrol exchanging fire with anti-Afghan personnel in the bunkers.

Near Malek Din, a Strike Eagle providing aerial overwatch to a coalition convoy used a GBU-12 to take out an enemy motorcycle after its rider was spotted detonating an improvised explosive device. The IED had exploded as a coalition convoy was passing, but the armor of the vehicle it hit absorbed the blast. The IED bomber attempted to escape the area on his motorcycle, but was unable to outpace the twin-engine, supersonic fighter. The F-15E also flew a show of force in the area to deter any potential enemy attack following the IED explosion.

A Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet strafed an enemy bunker near Kajaki Dam with its Vulcan cannon after enemy gunmen began firing their assault rifles at coalition troops. The enemy attack ceased after the strafing run.

An F-15E executed a show of force while escorting a coalition convoy through the Nangalam area, after anti-Afghan personnel started shooting and firing mortars at them. The maneuver succeeded in stopping enemy the fire and allowed the convoy to proceed without further incident.

In the vicinity of Asadabad, an A-10 Thunderbolt II flew a show of force to suppress enemy fire as a Coalition and Afghan National Army ground force assaulted an enemy compound. The jet remained on scene to provide aerial reconnaissance for the ground commander.

In Bagram, an Air Force A-10 flew a show of force when enemy forces began firing toward security personnel with automatic weapons. Anti-Afghan forces broke off their attack and withdrew when the aircraft arrived.

An A-10 performed several shows of force supporting coalition positions during its patrol in the Garmser region. The positions requested shows of force to deter anti-Afghan forces attempting to conduct IED, mortar and direct attacks against friendly units.

Air Force, Navy and coalition aircraft flew shows of force to suppress enemy activity in several locations throughout Afghanistan including Shurakian, Ghazni, Monari and Lashkar Gah. The maneuvers provided a non-lethal level of presence to enhance security in support of coalition and Afghan National Army reconstruction and security operations.

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

In total, 71 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, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 30 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, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. 

Air Force C-130s and C-17s 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 450 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 1,825 passengers were transported.

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

On March 5, Air Force tanker crews flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 189 receiving aircraft.