March 15 airpower summary: C-17s support, move warfighters

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto a disabled coalition forces vehicle in order to deny enemy combatants access to the vehicle and its contents. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission a success.

Air Force F-15Es conducted shows of force in the areas Bari Kowt, Sangin and Asadabad. The shows of force were conducted in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces. The missions were confirmed as successful by a JTAC. 

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in the Lwara and Orgune area. A JTAC reported the missions as successful.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier conducted shows of force over enemy locations in both Sangin and Musa Qal'eh. The missions were declared successful 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. Nine Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, shows of force were performed by an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets. The shows of force were performed in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in the area. The missions were confirmed as successful by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 30 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-four Air Force and Navy ISR 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 144 airlift sorties were flown, 553 tons of cargo delivered, and 2,893 passengers were transported.

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

On March 14, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 217 receiving aircraft.