March 12 airpower: Globemasters sustain operations

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SOUTHWEST ASIA --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 12.

In Afghanistan March 11, a B-1B Lancer performed a show of force to protect four coalition vehicles near Worzhanah Kalay. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the show of force was successful and no enemy attacks were reported. 

Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, for a coalition force patrol returning to a base near Now Zad. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the show of force to be successful.

A Navy F/A-18s dropped a guided bomb unit-38 on an enemy position near Now Zad. A direct hit was reported by the on-scene JTAC.

Near Sangin, other Navy F/A-18s provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, as requested by a JTAC. The F/A-18s also provided reconnaissance for suspicious activity at an intersection and a compound near Sangin.

In Afghanistan, March 10, a B-1B released GBU-31s on an enemy bunker and a compound. The B1-1B also released GBU-31s on a mortar position and insurgents in an open area near Kajaki Dam. All targets were reported as direct hits.

Also on March 10, one of two F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a GBU-12 on insurgents on a mountain near Sangin. According to the report, the weapon hit the target.

In total for March 11, 39 close-air-support missions were flown in support of Afghan and International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine 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.

In Iraq, F-16 Fighting Falcons provided overhead support for coalition forces traveling north near Tikrit. The F-16s also provided reconnaissance of buildings near an improvised explosive device explosion in the same area.

An F-16 provided reconnaissance for multiple routes to reduce the risk of attack to coalition forces near Taji.

Other F-16s provided overwatch for coalition ground forces near Balad Ruz. During the overwatch, the pilots reported a suspected IED.

Near Baghdad, F-16s performed a show of force for coalition ground units who noticed increased activity in the area. The show of force was reported by a JTAC as successful and may have prevented engagement by the enemy.

Also near Baghdad, F-16s provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, above a crowd of 30 to 60 people to disperse the crowd as requested by a JTAC. The JTAC reported the show of force was a success. The F-16s also conducted an overwatch for a raid conducted by coalition forces near the same area.

Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornado pilots watched for individuals running from an area after an enemy rocket propelled grenade attack near Yusufiyah. The GR-4s then provided overwatch for coalition forces receiving enemy small arms fire near Iskandariyah.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 48 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, 12 Air Force, Navy 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 aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Nearly 130 airlift sorties were flown; about 275 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 2,825 passengers were transported.

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

On March 10, U.S., RAF and French tankers flew 39 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.3 million pounds of fuel, which is the equivalent of more than 57 full Air Force fuel trucks.