March 25 airpower summary: KC-10s provide vital refueling support

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, French 2000 Mirages conducted shows of force over enemy positions in both Sangin and Qalat. The shows of force were conducted to deter enemy activities in those areas.  An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the missions a success.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted a show of force over enemy positions and fired cannon rounds onto enemy combatants in Uruzgan. The missions were reported as successful by a JTAC. 

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s onto enemy combatant firing positions in Orgune. A JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

In total, 33 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed shows of force in the areas of Basrah, Baghdad and Al Kut. The shows of force were performed in order to deter enemy activities in those respective areas. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC.

In Baghdad, an F-16 dropped a GBU-38 onto a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device successfully destroying the target.

A Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornado conducted shows of force over enemy positions and fired cannon rounds onto enemy combatants in the vicinity of Basrah. A JTAC reported the mission as a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 65 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-three Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy and RAF 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 147 airlift sorties were flown, 388 tons of cargo delivered and 3,874 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On March 24, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 237 receiving aircraft.