March 16 airpower summary: A-10s destroy 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 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and a B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-12s in order to destroy an enemy machine gun and enemy combatants engaging friendly forces in Asadabad. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful. 

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in Bermel, Gereshk, Orgune and Sangin. A JTAC declared that the missions were successful. 

Air Force F-15 Eagles dropped GBU-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy mortar positions who were engaging friendly forces in Bermel. In addition an A-10 performed a show of force in order to deter any further enemy activity. A JTAC reported the success of the missions.

In Deh Rawood, a show of force was performed by a French 2000 Mirage in order to deter enemy activities. The success of the mission was confirmed by a JTAC.

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator dropped a Hellfire missile in order to destroy enemy improvised explosive devices emplacers in Kandahar. The success of the mission was reported by a JTAC.

In total, 37 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Basrah and Baqubah. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC.

An RAF GR-4 Tornado performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Al Kut. The success of the mission was confirmed by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 64 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, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR 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 165 airlift sorties were flown, 667 tons of cargo delivered and 4,159 passengers were transported. This included approximately 112,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On March 15, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.2 million pounds of fuel to 148 receiving aircraft.