Airpower Summary for March 19

U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations March 19 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Close Air Support

Asmar, Regional Command-East
U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle pilots conducted armed reconnaissance and responded to a request for air support from ground forces in contact with enemy forces. The aircrews released precision-guided munitions against an enemy fighting position. The aircrews' actions were declared successful.

U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots

provided armed overwatch for friendly forces and conducted a show of force. Ground forces declared the show of force successful.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews conducted armed reconnaissance and deterred enemy activity near friendly forces by conducting a show of force.

Asadabad, RC-E
U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots released multiple precision-guided munitions against enemy personnel at the request of friendly forces. The aircrews remained in the area to provide armed overwatch following the weapon releases.

Shurakian, RC-S
U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted a show of force, releasing multiple flares, to deter enemy action. Ground forces, who were receiving small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire, declared the show of force successful when enemy activity ceased.

Balocan, RC-S
U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircrews conducted a show of force, releasing multiple flares. The show of force was declared successful.

Musa Qala, RC-S
U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet pilots conducted shows of force to support friendly ground forces. The shows of force were declared successful.

A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted shows of force above a friendly-forces convoy stopped for an improvised explosive device. Friendly ground forces declared the shows of force successful.

Tirgari, RC-E
U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews conducted a show of force, releasing flares, and conducted armed reconnaissance for friendly forces. A joint terminal attack controller declared the show of force successful.

Chahar Bagh, RC-S
Coalition aircrews provided armed overwatch to friendly forces and conducted a show of force to deter enemy action. Ground forces declared the show of force successful.

Gereshk, RC-S
U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets conducted shows of force and presence to support friendly forces. Ground forces determined the actions successful.

Lashkar Gah, RC-S
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted a shows of force in support of a friendly-forces convoy. The shows of force were declared successful.


Airlift Action

Badghis Province, RC-W
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew flew a combat-airdrop mission in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 57,000 pounds of supplies to friendly ground forces.

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrews flew combat-resupply missions in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 92,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.

Gahzni Province, RC-E
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 60,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.

A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a humanitarian airdrop mission in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 16,000 pounds of humanitarian assistance to Afghan civilians.

Air Operations in Iraq:

Nothing significant to report.

Air Power Statistics:

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 85
Sorties flown to support Operation Iraqi Freedom: 22

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 38
Sorties flown in Iraq: 29

On March 18
Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 175
Short tons of delivered cargo: 1024
Passengers: approximately 3,500
Airdropped cargo: approximately 152,000 pounds

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 43
Fuel delivered: approximately 2.6 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 224

Personnel Recovery, Casualty Evacuation and Aero-medical Evacuations:
Casualty Evacuation -- Air Force Rescue Airmen transported 16 patients
Saves: 3
Assists: 13
Other: 0
Hero Flights: 0
Sorties flown to support OEF: 33
Sorties flown to support OIF: 2