Airpower Summary for March 24

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.27.2009

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

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SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations March 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18-E and -F Super Hornets carried out shows of force and used guided bomb unit-38s against enemy personnel on a mountain near Tarin Kowt. Anti-Afghan forces had conducted an ambush on a friendly convoy, beginning the attack with an improvised explosive device before opening fire. The jets destroyed the enemy positions.

Near Musa Qala, F/A-18Fs conducted strafing runs and dropped GBU-38s against enemy personnel in firing points concealed throughout several buildings. These efforts were directed at stopping anti-Afghan forces attacks against coalition ground troops, which included fire from enemy mortar, assault rifle, and machine gun positions.

In the vicinity of Worzhanah Kalay, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs used smoke to mark enemy positions before teaming up to take them out with a GBU-38 and general purpose 500-pound bombs. The aircraft worked in teams to positively identify enemy fighters before employing munitions, ensuring weapons landed precisely on target.

A Super Hornet executed a show of force and expended flares near Lashkar Gah to prevent a pending anti-Afghan forces attack after enemy gunmen were spotted outside a coalition forward base. The aircraft's appearance provided a deterrent and prevented hostilities from developing further.

Joint Terminal Attack Controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 75 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seventeen Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 7 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities, and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Twenty-one Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, a coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 100 airlift sorties were flown; 250 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 1,500 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On March 23, U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 238 receiving aircraft.