Air Operations in Afghanistan:
Close Air Support
Chahar Bagh, Regional Command-South
Coalition aircrews provided armed reconnaissance to determine location of enemy combatants near friendly forces. Aircrews strafed an enemy fighting position, and conducted a show of force. The actions were declared successful when enemy action stopped. Aircrews then provided armed overwatch to friendly forces leaving the area.
Tirgari, RC-E
U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for a convoy and conducted a show of force to deter enemy action against friendly forces. The show of force was declared successful by ground commanders. Aircrews then scanned the surrounding area before providing armed overwatch for a separate convoy.
Lashkar Gah, RC-S
Coalition aircrews conducted a show of force above a building being searched by friendly forces. The show of force was successful and friendly forces apprehended and seized multiple enemy personnel, weapons and equipment.
Abu Kala, RC-S
A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces clearing operation. The aircrew conducted a show of force requested by a joint terminal attack controller to deter enemy action. The JTAC verified the show of force was successful and the aircrew continued to fly armed overwatch for friendly forces in the
Airlift Action
Zabul Province, RC-S
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Zabul province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 24,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.
Badghis Province, RC-W
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Badghis province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 70,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.
Farah Province, RC-W
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Farah province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 24,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.
Oruzgan Province, RC-S
U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrews flew combat-resupply missions in Oruzgan province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 90,000 pounds of combat sustainment supplies to friendly forces.
Air Operations in Iraq:
Nothing significant to report today
Air Power Statistics:
Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 75
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 20
Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 27
Sorties flown in Iraq: 28
On March 13
Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 187
Short tons of delivered cargo: 883
Passengers: approximately 4,000
Airdropped cargo: approximately 200,000 pounds
Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 39
Fuel delivered: approximately 2.4 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 203
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: 24
Sorties flown to support OIF: 8
United States Air Forces Central Command's mission is to conduct operations to defeat terrorist networks and insurgents. Coalition airpower enhances the security and stability of the democratically-elected governments in Iraq and Afghanistan, while protecting their people from violent extremist groups. Helping to build each nation's capacity from the ground up, AFCENT provides a bridge to self-reliance by training and partnering with the Iraqi Air Force and Afghan National Army Air Corps to protect their national sovereignty.