Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials. In Afghanistan, French 2000 Mirages performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bermel, Lwara and Qalat. In addition a British GR-7 Harrier  also performed a show of force in Qalat. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the success of the mission.

In Nangalam, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces. In addition a show of force was performed in order to deter any further enemy activities. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In Lwara, F-15s dropped a GBU-38 and 31s in order to destroy enemy combatants and mortar positions engaging Friendly Forces. The success of the mission was declared by the JTAC. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Kabul. The mission's success was confirmed by the JTAC.

In Uruzgan, an A-10 dropped a GBU-12 in order to destroy enemy combatants in a cave. The success of the mission was reported by the JTAC.

In Deh Rawod, a B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants. The mission's success was declared by the JTAC.

In Sangin, an M2K dropped a GBU-12 in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces with RPG fire. The success of the mission was confirmed by the JTAC.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Baghdad and Basrah. The mission's success was reported by the JTAC.

In Baqubah, an F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped a GBU-12 and 38s in order to destroy enemy structures. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 67 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-six Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. pproximately 150 airlift sorties were flown, 567 tons of cargo delivered and 2,997 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Japan and Korea flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On March 20, Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 237 receiving aircraft.

FMI: www.af.mil, www.dod.mil