March 3 airpower summary: Predator keeps vigilant watch Published March 5, 2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator unmanned aerial vehicle used a Hellfire missile to strike a group of anti-Afghan personnel near Kandahar. The strike took place after coalition ground units observed the group planting an improvised explosive device on a civilian highway. In the Tarin Kowt area, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet flew a show of force supporting a coalition ground operation. Coalition troops meeting with Afghan tribal leaders requested the show of force to add an additional level of security presence and deterrence against anti-Afghan actions. 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. Twenty-two 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 26 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-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 140 airlift sorties were flown, more than 475 tons of cargo was delivered and about 3,350 passengers were transported. This included approximately 60,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan. Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On March 2, Air Force tanker crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 246 receiving aircraft.