US Airpower Summary, March 12, 2009: B-1Bs Disrupt Enemy

A B-1B Lancer flies a combat patrol mission over Afghanistan recently. B-1Bs fly close-air-support missions for both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The B-1B is assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 12, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper struck an anti-Afghan gunman with a guided bomb unit-12 in a field near Balocan. The drone detected the individual armed with an assault rifle shortly after a nearby coalition ground unit had taken fire from the area.

Near Shurakian, coalition aircraft executed shows of force and expended flares near a coalition forward base to stop an enemy attack against the installation. The maneuver, which caused the enemy to cease fire and run away from the area, came after anti-Afghan personnel invaded nearby homes and opened fire from behind windows and walls. The ground commander elected to have the aircraft fly shows of force rather than drop weapons out of concern for local residents' safety.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle on a sortie over Ghazni performed a show of force to drive off enemy shooters who were firing on a coalition convoy. The convoy was in a close firefight with the shooters, who were firing on the convoy with small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. The fight ended with the aircraft's arrival, and the convoy continued on to its destination.

In Tarin Kowt, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and F-15E expended flares as they flew shows of force near a coalition forward base. A group of enemy personnel was gathered for an attack on the base, but were surprised and fled the area after the jets arrived.

Air Force and coalition aircraft performed several shows of force in Musa Qala, Sheykhabad, and Bagram in support of coalition and Afghan National Army operations. The shows of force provided deterrence against enemy attacks and supported ground operations.

On-scene joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 60 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nineteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F16C Fighting Falcons dropped guided bomb unit-38s, destroying a terrorist staging camp near Sadiyah. The strike was planned to obstruct and reduce the effectiveness of the terrorist group's activities as Iraqi government forces work to increase security in the region.

Coalition aircraft flew 36 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-seven Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, three coalition and Air Force 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, more than 500 tons of cargo was delivered and about 4,900 passengers were transported. This included approximately 71,000 pounds of supplies airdropped over Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On March 10, Air Force tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 253 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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