March 3-9: The week in airpower

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 3-9.

In Afghanistan this week 330 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Sixty Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Air Force and Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Iraq this week, coalition aircraft flew 327 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, 98 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. 

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. About 1,110 airlift sorties were flown. More than 3,550 tons of cargo were delivered. Approximately 22,125 passengers were transported which is the equivalent of more then 47 Boeing 747s Airliners filled to seating capacity.

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

For the week, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 260 sorties and off-loaded more than 17.3 million pounds of fuel which is the equivalent of more than 432 full Air Force logistics readiness fuel trucks. 

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