March 4 airpower summary: C-17s help sustain operations

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a guided bomb unit-38 and 31s in order to destroy enemy combatants in Lwara. In addition a show of force was performed in order to deter any further enemy activities. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Asadabad, F-15Es dropped GBU-31s in order to destroy enemy combatants in caves. The success of the mission was reported by a JTAC.

In order to deter enemy activities British GR-7 Harriers performed shows of force in Orgune and Sangin. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC.

In Sangin, a GR-7 Harrier dropped an enhanced paveway II munition in order to destroy enemy combatants. A JTAC confirmed that the missions were successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy an enemy vehicle and enemy combatants. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC.

In Khowst, an F-15E performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. A JTAC declared 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 British GR-4 Tornado dropped EPW-II in order to destroy an enemy rocket position. In addition a show of force was performed in order to deter enemy activities in Basrah. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 64 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-five Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy 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 147 airlift sorties were flown, 469 tons of cargo delivered and 3,644 passengers were transported. This included approximately 28,480 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On March 3, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 198 receiving aircraft.