March 6 airpower summary: C-130s support coalition forces

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

In Afghanistan, in order to deter enemy activities an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force in Lwara. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the mission was successful.

In Nangalam, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38 in order to destroy enemy fighting positions. A JTAC reported that the mission was successful. 

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine 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, a RAF GR-4 Tornado performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Basrah. The success of the mission was declared by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 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-three Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four 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 118 airlift sorties were flown, 771 tons of cargo delivered and 2,510 passengers were transported.

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

On March 5,  Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 277 receiving aircraft.