March 19 airpower summary: F-16s bomb enemy targets

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bagram, Kandahar and Orgune. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful. 

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s in order to destroy enemy combatants in a compound engaging friendly forces with mortar fire in Now Zad. The success of the mission was reported by a JTAC. 

A B-1B dropped GBU-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants in Qalat. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC. 

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier dropped a 540-pound bomb and enhanced paveway II munitions in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces in Farah. The success of the mission was confirmed by a JTAC.

French 2000 Mirages performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Kabul, Khowst and Now Zad.

In total, 44 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped GBU-12s in order to destroy an enemy vehicle. The success of the mission was reported by a JTAC. 

F-16s dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy enemy rocket tubes at enemy rocket positions in Basrah. In addition, an F-16 performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Mosul.  A JTAC declared the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 70 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-five Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six 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 158 airlift sorties were flown, 666 tons of cargo delivered and 3,454 passengers were transported. This included approximately 89,880 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On March 18,  Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 234 receiving aircraft.