March 2 airpower: F-15Es provide show of force

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 2.

In Afghanistan March 1, an Air Force B-1 Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38 joint direct attack munitions on enemy mortar and firing positions near Forward Operating Base Robinson. The joint terminal attack controllers, or JTACs, reported directs hits on both positions.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided a show of force in support of a coalition convoy experiencing vehicle problems in an area known to have high enemy activity near Shamikor.

A Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet dropped a GBU-38 on a suspected mortar tube against the side of a building near FOB Robinson. The JTAC confirmed the weapon hit the desired target.

Other Navy F/A-18s searched for suspicious activity at a suspected rocket propelled grenade launch location near FOB Robinson.

In total, 33 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons were assigned to provide overwatch at a building where coalition forces were receiving fire near Al Yusufiyah. The F-16 pilots reported several people moving around the building who eventually broke into three groups. One group went into a palm grove, another into a field and the third stayed at the building. The F-16 pilots provided overwatch as a convoy was called to investigate.

Over Baqubah, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs were notified by a JTAC to support troops in contact with enemy personnel. The A-10s received a report that a coalition convoy had hit an improvised explosive device. or IED, near Baqubah.

Five individuals were observed on a rooftop 50 meters north of the IED's location. The JTAC passed coordinates so the A-10s could get low enough to have good visibility on the individuals who were possibly involved with the IED attack. The A-10s then went back to reconnaissance of the rooftop areas near where the coalition convoy hit the IED.

Also in Baqubah, a JTAC assigned F-16s to provide overwatch and track an anti-Iraqi force vehicle and weapons cache. It was reported that enemy forces were gathering around the vehicle and weapons.

In Baghdad, F-16s worked with a JTAC to find a van transporting armed anti-Iraqi personnel. The JTAC passed updated coordinates to the F-16 pilots until they found the van.

Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornados provided overwatch of a convoy which was involved with small-arms fire near Samarra. It was reported by a JTAC that a group of men were gathering in the area and that one of the men was carrying a gun. At the same time, a car pulled into the driveway at the location. The GR-4s provided overwatch while ground forces carried out a cordon and search of the area.

JTACs are highly trained Airmen who advise ground commanders on appropriate air power support, relay the ground commander's intent to air power assets overhead and communicate with aircrews for precision engagement.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 35 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

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

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; more than 615 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,135 passengers were transported.

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

On Feb. 28, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 35 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.2 million pounds of fuel which is the equivalent of more than 55 full Air Force fuel trucks.