March 14 airpower summary: F-16s continue shows of force

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s in order to destroy enemy weapons caches and enemy combatants. In addition an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force in order to deter any further enemy activities. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful. 

An A-10 and Air Force F-15 Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Lwara. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy enemy mortar positions in Qalat. In addition, the B-1B performed shows of force in order to deter any further enemy activities. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC. 

Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Sangin. A JTAC confirmed that the missions were successful.

In total, 43 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, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed shows of force in Al Kut, Baqubah and Samarra. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 44 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-five Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force 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 139 airlift sorties were flown, 803 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,463 passengers were transported. This included approximately 9,300 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On March 13, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 36 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 170 receiving aircraft.