March 12 airpower summary: C-130s support coalition forces Published March 13, 2008 SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer, an F-15E Strike Eagle and an MQ-1Predator dropped a guided bomb unit-31, 38 and a hellfire missile in order to destroy an improvised explosive device facility, an enemy structure and enemy combatants in Sangin. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful. In Sangin, a British GR-7 Harrier dropped a 540-pound bomb in order to destroy enemy mortar positions who were engaging friendly forces. In addition a French 2000 Mirage and a GR-7 Harrier performed shows of force in order to deter any additional enemy activities. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful. In Qalat, F-15Es and a B-1B dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy enemy combatants who were engaging friendly forces. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC. In Nangalam, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The success of the mission was confirmed by a JTAC. In order to deter enemy activities a French 2000 Mirage performed shows of force in Bermel. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful. In total, 46 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Ten Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy booby trapped weapons caches. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC. In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 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-five Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two 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 161 airlift sorties were flown, 511 tons of cargo delivered and 3,367 passengers were transported. This included approximately 24,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan. Coalition C-130 crews from Iraq and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On March 11, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 251 receiving aircraft.