US forces rescued the second F-15 crew member shot down over southern Iran last Friday. President Donald Trump announced the colonel’s recovery Sunday on social media. “One of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in history,” he declared.
Both crew ejected safely after Iranian air defenses downed the jet. US teams rescued the first airman immediately. The second pilot—seriously wounded—hid in Iran’s treacherous mountains as enemies closed in.
Trump halted other Iran operations to prioritize the combat search and rescue (CSAR). Dozens of special operations forces executed the high-risk raid behind enemy lines. The colonel now rests safe despite injuries.
Night conditions aided the mission. Retired Admiral William Fallon noted darkness favors US night operations. Helicopters flew low over hostile territory while support aircraft struck threats and secured zones.
Military analyst Mikey Kay called ejection “brutal,” generating massive body forces. Iran confirmed downing the warplane. Rescue details emerge slowly as the colonel recovers.
