March 26 airpower: Tankers fuel the fleet

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 26. 

In Afghanistan March 25, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an enemy building used for a rocket propelled grenade position near Sangin. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the building was destroyed.

One of two U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets dropped leaflets near Sangin. The other F/A-18 pilot confirmed that the leaflets were released in the target area.

Also near Sangin, other F/A-18s dropped GBU-12s on an enemy building as requested by a JTAC. The JTAC confirmed weapons were direct hits.

Near Kandahar, F/A-18s provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, for coalition forces repairing a vehicle on the side of the road. The F/A-18s also provided a show of force for a coalition position in the same area. A JTAC confirmed both were effective.

Other F/A-18s provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, for a coalition convoy with a vehicle stuck on a road near Delaram. A JTAC confirmed show of force was successful.

In total, 47 close-air-support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. In total, 47 air support missions were flown for March 24.

Seven Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. U.S. Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors. Nine U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force ISR aircraft missions were flown for March 24.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided overwatch for coalition forces receiving fire from the east near Baghdad. No attacks were reported after F-16s arrived.

Air Force F-16s conducted reconnaissance of a suicide bomber detonation area near Baqubah. The F-16s also conducted counter improvised explosive device missions in the same area.

Near Baghdad, F/A-18s conducted reconnaissance for a coalition convoy that received small-arms and RPG fire. The F/A-18s also provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, over an intersection near Baghdad. The show of force was confirmed as successful by a JTAC.

Other F/A-18s provided a show of force over a suspected small-arms position near Baqubah. A JTAC confirmed it was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 65 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. In total, 62 air-support missions were flown for March 24.

Additionally, 16 Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Fifteen Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions on March 24.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Nearly 135 airlift sorties were flown; nearly 330 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 2,610 passengers were transported. For March 24, more than145 airlift sorties were flown; more than 370 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,303 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Canada flew in support of OIF or OEF. For March 24, coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Canada flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On March 24, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 42 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.8 million pounds of fuel. On March 23, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 41 sorties and off-loaded nearly 2.7 million pounds of fuel.