March 18 airpower summary: B-1B deters enemies

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants and mortar positions that were engaging friendly forces in Nangalam. In addition F-15 Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter any further enemy activities. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the missions were successful. 

Air Force B-1B Lancers performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in Bermel and Qala-e-Naw. A JTAC reported the missions were successful. 

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped GBU-12s in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging coalition forces in Farah. In addition A-10s performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Farah and Orgune. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC. 

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Lwara. The success of the mission was reported by a JTAC.

In total, 39 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten 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, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and a Navy F/A-18 Hornet dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy improvised explosive devices in Baqubah. In addition an RAF GR-4 Tornado performed a show of force in order to deter any further enemy activities. The success of the missions was confirmed by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 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-four 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 157 airlift sorties were flown, 521 tons of cargo delivered and 4,754 passengers were transported. This included approximately 61,600 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On March 18, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 265 receiving aircraft.