March 5 airpower summary: Predator destroys enemy target

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator dropped a hellfire missile in order to destroy enemy combatants in Kajaki Dam. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the mission was successful.

In Now Zad, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s in order to destroy enemy combatants in a bunker. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

A show of force was performed by an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle in order to deter enemy activities in Gardez. A JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

An Air Force A-10 performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Lwara. The success of the mission was confirmed by a JTAC.

In total, 36 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Four Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy an enemy structure with enemy combatants inside. A JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 68 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-six Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and Royal Air Force 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 140 airlift sorties were flown, 708 tons of cargo delivered and 3,294 passengers were transported.

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

On March 4, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 244 receiving aircraft.