Excitement
Everybody was excited to be involved in Iraqi Freedom. We flew cargo missions for seven months, and that excitement level never changed. Bad things are happening over there. But few people see the great things we are doing every day.
     — Lt. Col. Jim McGann

No Fame, Glory
The greatest thing about OIF was getting to live and work in a fighter squadron with such great people. My memories of most of the sorties I flew will fade, but I'll never forget the people I shared those experiences with. Flying fighter aircraft isn't about fame and glory. It's about taking care of your best friend flying the jet right next to you.
     — Capt. Benjamin Price

Transitions
I will be going on to the C-17 when it replaces the C-141 at McGuire. The Starlifter has been a good aircraft. It kept us safe. It has had quite a career. A lot of people in the mobility world are sad to see the old bird go.
     — Capt. Avi Perras

No Contest
God help the next person who decides to cause some problems for the United States because we're going to steamroll them.
     — Maj. Mark Lantz

Great Accomplishments
The greatest honor for anyone in uniform is to lead guys in combat. The greatest accomplishment is to bring them all back safely. This squadron's people and our aircraft were vital assets in the national strategy.
     — Lt. Col. Jim McGann

Accumulated Time
This unit flew 5,000 hours in the twelve months prior to OIF. We flew 1,000 hours per month during the six months over there in desert conditions. Our C-130s went through a lot.
     — Maj. Carl Hoagy

Not Dead Yet
The C-141 performed great. We only had minimal malfunctions, and there was nothing that kept us in Baghdad. Flight engineers may have one foot in the grave, but we are not dead yet.
     — TSgt. Joe Foster