March 13 airpower summary: C-130s give Herculean effort

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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 13, 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 a GBU-38 onto enemy combatants and an enemy combatant mortar position in the vicinity of Serwa. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission as a success.

In Asadabad, an F-15E conducted a show of force in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in the area. The mission was confirmed as successful by a JTAC.

In total, 38 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 33 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.

Thirteen Air Force and Navy 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, 434 tons of cargo delivered, and 2,943 passengers were transported.

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

On March 12, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 228 receiving aircraft.