March 19 airpower: Refueling the mission

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 19.

In Afghanistan March 18, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-12s and GBU-38s on enemy-occupied buildings near Kajaki Dam. The strike came after coalition forces came under fire from the buildings. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed all the weapons hit the intended targets and enemy fire ceased after engagement.

Another B-1B dropped GBU-38s on enemy forces in an open area who were firing rockets at coalition forces near Sangin.  A JTAC confirmed the B-1B`s weapons hit the desired targets.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided a show of force while coalition forces conducted an air drop near Sangin. The show of force may have prevented attacks from enemy ground forces.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets dropped GBU-38s on enemy buildings and insurgence near Sangin. A JTAC confirmed all the weapons hit the desired targets.

In total, 30 close-air-support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. In total, 43 air support missions were flown for March 17.

Five Air Force and Royal 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. Seven Air Force and RAF ISR aircraft missions were flown for March 17.

In Iraq, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided overwatch for coalition forces working with Iraqi police near Baghdad. The A-10s also provided a show of force for a coalition vehicle that had been struck by an improvised explosive device near Baghdad. No attacks were reported after the show of force.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided a show of force to demonstrate coalition resolve and presence in the area near Ad Diwaniyah. The show of force was reported as successful after the F-16s released multiple flares.

Near Baghdad, Navy F/A-18s provided a show of force, expending multiple flares over a suspected mortar position.

On March 17, Air Force F-16s fired cannon rounds on enemy forces digging on the side of a road near Baghdad. A JTAC declared the attack successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 63 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, 58 close-air-support missions were flown for March 17.

Additionally, 17 Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Glovemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. More than 140 airlift sorties were flown; nearly 400 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,615 passengers were transported. For March 17, more than160 airlift sorties were flown; nearly 385 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,790 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and South Korea flew in support of OIF or OEF. For March 17, Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Japan flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On March 17, U.S. Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 41 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.7 million pounds of fuel which is the equivalent of more than 67 full Air Force fuel trucks. On March 16, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 36 sorties and off-loaded nearly 2.2 million pounds of fuel.