March 10 airpower summary: B-1Bs conduct show of force

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds onto enemy locations in the vicinity of Kabul. The mission was reported a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

French 2000 Mirages conducted shows of force in the vicinity of Gereshk. The shows of force were conducted in order to deter enemy activities in the area. A JTAC declared the missions successful.

In Bagram, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit-12s onto enemy combatant positions. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier dropped an enhanced paveway II munition onto enemy combatants in the vicinity of Garmser. A JTAC reported the mission a success.

Shows of force were performed by GR-7s in the areas of Kajaki Dam and Musa Qala. The shows of force were performed in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Lwara, a show of force was conducted by an A-10 to deter enemy activities against coalition forces. A JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

In total, 51 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, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s onto an enemy building and conducted a show of force in the vicinity of Baghdad. Furthermore, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force in the same area. The missions were reported as successful by a JTAC. 

In Baghdad, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a hellfire missile onto enemy combatants placing improvised explosive devices. A JTAC declared the mission a success.

A RAF GR-4 Tornado conducted a show of force in the vicinity of Babil to deter enemy activities against coalition forces. The mission was confirmed as successful by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 52 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 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance 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 146 airlift sorties were flown, 815 tons of cargo delivered and 3,078 passengers were transported.

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

On March 9, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 248 receiving aircraft.