March 1 airpower summary: B-1Bs destroy enemy targets

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31
and guided bomb unit-38s onto enemy combatants in a trench and an enemy
compound in the vicinity of Sangin. The on-scene joint terminal attack
controller declared the mission a success.

In Garmsir, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers fired rockets and dropped an
enhanced paveway II munition onto enemy combatant positions.
Furthermore, a French Air Force Mirage-2000 dropped a GBU-12 onto an
enemy bunker in the same area. The missions were reported as successful
by the JTAC.

Mirage-2000s conducted shows of force in the vicinity of Lwara to deter
enemy activities against coalition forces. The JTAC confirmed the
missions as successful.

In Nangalam, B-1Bs dropped GBU-31s and GBU-38s onto enemy fighting
positions. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle
performed shows of force in Nangalam and Lwara in order to deter enemy
activities against coalition forces. The JTAC reported the missions
successful.

In Gereshk, a RAF GR-7 conducted a show of force in order to cover coalition
forces movement into an urban area. The mission was confirmed as
successful by the JTAC.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF
and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight 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 show of force was conducted by an Air Force F-16 Fighting
Falcon in the vicinity of Mosul. The show of force was performed in
order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in the area.
The JTAC declared the mission a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 45 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.

Twenty-five 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 169 airlift sorties were flown, 643 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,307 passengers were transported. This included approximately 8,400 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Feb. 29, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 256 receiving aircraft.