Task Force 185 AVN was a busy group. Catfish Air flew twice the missions with half the aircraft in the first 6 months than 12th Aviation flew the entire first year of the fight. We saw more combat and few with far more experience than either the active duty aviation brigade that we replaced or the only that replaced us. Catfish Air was also credited with the first space available (Space-A) seating option during the war which was responsible for thousands of soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen being able to stay off the roads and away from the IED threat.

I just ran into a soldier that returned from Iraq in early 2008 who said that it is still called Catfish Air to this day.

TF 185 AVN was commanded by COL Bradley Macnealy, MS ARNG. It was the first all Guard Combat Aviation Brigade deployed to combat.