March 28 airpower: Bomber scores direct hits

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) -- U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 28.

In Afghanistan March 27, an Air Force B-1 Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s on four insurgent buildings near Sangin. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the targets were directly hit.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided aerial reconnaissance for an ambushed coalition convoy near Sangin. The F-15 pilots reported coordinates of enemies moving away from area.

Also near Sangin, other Air Force F-15s dropped GBU-38s, GBU-39s, GBU- 12s and GBU-31s on insurgent buildings and enemy firing positions. The F-15s also fired cannon rounds at insurgents concealed in vegetation. The JTAC confirmed the buildings were destroyed and enemy firing positions were hit.

Other Air Force F-15s provided armed reconnaissance for a coalition convoy leaving Forward Operating Base Price. The pilots supported the convoy while they established two vehicle check points near Sangin.

Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers dropped Advance Paveway II munitions on a building and compound where insurgents were firing upon enemy forces near Now Zad. A JTAC confirmed successful hits and enemy fire ceased.

In total, 37 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided a show of force for coalition forces receiving small arms fire near Hawijah. A JTAC reported the show of force was successful.

Other Air Force F-16s provided shows of force for wounded coalition troops who were being evacuated near Baqubah.

Near Taji, other Air Force F-16s provided overwatch for coalition forces ground activity. The F-16s also conducted counter improvised explosive device reconnaissance in the same area.

Also near Taji, other Air Force F-16s provided a show of force over a large crater where a vehicle borne IED exploded. A JTAC confirmed the show of force successful and no other attacks were reported.33

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolts IIs provided a show of force for an Iraqi forces police station and mosque compound receiving small arms fire near Baghdad.

The A-10s remained in the area to provide escort for coalition convoys returning to Forward Operating Base Liberty.

Near Kankirawan, Air Force F-16s provided reconnaissance for fleeing enemies in multiple locations. The F-16s also searched several routes and a five-way intersection for IEDs.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 52 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions provided support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Additionally, 15 Air Force, U.S. Navy, RAF and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. An Air Force fighter aircraft performed in a non-traditional ISR role with electro-optical and infrared sensors.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. They flew nearly 136 airlift sorties; delivered nearly 400 tons of cargo and transported approximately 3,975 passengers.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Japan flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On March 26, Air Force, RAF and French tanker crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.5 million pounds of fuel.