And as crazy as it sounds, the flight from that 57 millimeter S60 Triple-A (antiaircraft artillery) was spectacular.

CNN: Pilot: Combat 'as terrifying as I thought'

At the same time, the crew is looking out for the unlikely prospect of Iraqi aircraft and the more likely prospect of Iraqi missiles or antiaircraft artillery.

CNN: Refueling 500 feet over Iraq 'keeps you on your toes'

The Iraqis blocked three bridges across Tigris River from the eastern side with large concrete blocks and dump trucks, moving antiaircraft and artillery weapons on their side of the bridges.

CNN: Capital has look of a battlefield

In the exchange the skies filled with the smoke of multiple rocket launchers, artillery and antiaircraft fire.

CNN: Capital has look of a battlefield