[MilCom] March 3 airpower summary: A-10s deter enemy activities

[Chris Corley]

3/4/2008 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with 
coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance 
Force in Afghanistan during operations March 3, according to Combined Air 
and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper fired hellfire missiles in order 
to destroy enemy combatants in Garmser. The on-scene joint terminal attack 
controller confirmed that the mission was successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb 
unit-12s, 31s, and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants and enemy firing 
positions in Now Zad. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities A-10s performed shows of force in Lwara 
and Khowst. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In Bermel, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force in 
order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was 
successful.

In Musa Qala, a Royal Air Force GR-9 performed a show of force in order to 
deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported the mission a success.

In total, 46 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and 
Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew 
missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF 
aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets dropped a GBU-12 and 38s in order to 
destroy enemy rocket positions in Basrah. The missions were declared 
successful by the JTAC.

In Basrah, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force in 
order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was 
successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 43 close-air-support missions for 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized 
coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch 
for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist 
activities.

Twenty-six Air Force, Navy, Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, 
surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations 
in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF 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 125 airlift sorties were flown, 586 tons of cargo delivered, 
and 2,930 passengers were transported. This included approximately 48,000 
pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq, and Japan flew as part 
of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On March 2, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded 
approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 273 receiving aircraft.