Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in
Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan
during operations March 21, according to Combined Air and Space
Operations Center officials. In Afghanistan, French 2000 Mirages
performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in
Bermel, Lwara and Qalat. In addition a British GR-7 Harrier
also performed a show of force in Qalat. The joint terminal attack
controller confirmed the success of the mission.
In Nangalam, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb
unit-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging
friendly forces. In addition a show of force was performed in order
to deter any further enemy activities. The JTAC reported that the
missions were successful.
In Lwara, F-15s dropped a GBU-38 and 31s in order to destroy
enemy combatants and mortar positions engaging Friendly Forces. The
success of the mission was declared by the JTAC. Air Force A-10
Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in order to deter enemy
activities in Kabul. The mission's success was confirmed by the
JTAC.
In Uruzgan, an A-10 dropped a GBU-12 in order to destroy enemy
combatants in a cave. The success of the mission was reported by
the JTAC.
In Deh Rawod, a B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-31s and 38s in order to
destroy enemy combatants. The mission's success was declared by the
JTAC.
In Sangin, an M2K dropped a GBU-12 in order to destroy enemy
combatants engaging friendly forces with RPG fire. The success of
the mission was confirmed by the JTAC.
In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown as part of
the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and
route patrols.
Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force surveillance and
reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in
Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical
reconnaissance.
In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet performed shows of force in
order to deter enemy activities in Baghdad and Basrah. The
mission's success was reported by the JTAC.
In Baqubah, an F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped a GBU-12 and 38s in
order to destroy enemy structures. The JTAC declared that the
missions were successful.
In total, Coalition aircraft flew 67 close-air-support missions
for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and
synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure,
provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to
deter and disrupt terrorist activities.
Twenty-six Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in
Iraq. Additionally, four Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical
reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided
intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations
throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. pproximately
150 airlift sorties were flown, 567 tons of cargo delivered and
2,997 passengers were transported.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Japan and Korea
flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On March 20, Air
Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 40 sorties and
off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 237
receiving aircraft.
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.15.24)
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