March 26 airpower summary: F-16s provide cover
3/27/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition
airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the
International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during
operations March 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations
Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft employed a guided bomb unit-12 and
cannon strafes against anti-Afghan personnel who were observed planting
an improvised explosive device near Kajaki Dam. The aircraft waited
until the personnel were away from civilian structures before beginning
attack. The individuals attempted to escape on a motorcycle after they
became aware of the aircraft's presence, but were caught in the GBU-12
explosion that destroyed the motorcycle. The passenger was able to
survive the explosion and tried to run away, but was finished off by
the jet's strafing pass.
Near Nangalam, a flight of Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles took out
multiple enemy fighting positions using a variety of guided munitions
after anti-Afghan forces were detected preparing to attack a coalition
base. The aircraft destroyed several heavy machine gun nests during the
engagement, followed up by strikes targeting enemy gunmen trying to
escape into the mountains.
A Navy F/A-18C Hornet executed a show of force and expended flares in
the vicinity of Garmser after coalition ground troops spotted
suspicious individuals on a roadside culvert. The individuals, who
appeared to be readying a site for IED emplacement, fled the area. A
coalition aircraft also performed a show of force in the area later in
the day when other potential enemy activity was noted.
An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-15E flew additional shows of
force over Garmser and Bagram in order to deter enemy activity in those
areas.
Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.
In total, 68 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the
ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route
patrols.
Six Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.
In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons flying near Ba'qubah provided
cover for Iraqi and coalition security forces' operations, responding
to an insurgent attack against friendly troops with several strikes.
The aircraft employed GBU-38s and multiple cannon strafes against enemy
targets, which included armed gunmen, insurgent vehicles, and enemy
positions.
Coalition aircraft flew 24 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-six Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of
operations in Iraq. In addition, three Air Force and coalition aircraft
performed tactical reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided
intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout
Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown, 400 tons of cargo were delivered and about 3,650 passengers were transported.
Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On March 25, Air Force tankers flew 43 sorties and off-loaded
approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 209 receiving aircraft.