US Recovers Two F-15 Crew After Largest Rescue Mission in Iran War

The United States military recovered both crew members of an F-15E shot down over Iran after an unprecedented rescue operation.

“The dramatic and sprawling two-day operation to save the crew of an F-15E Strike Eagle shot down over Iran on April 3 involved hundreds of personnel, dozens of aircraft—and multiple close calls”

Air & Space Forces Magazine

President Trump called it one of the largest, most complex, most harrowing combat search and rescue missions ever attempted.

Air & Space Forces Magazine

The fighter was downed by a shoulder-fired Iranian missile.

The pilot was rescued hours later, but the weapons systems officer spent nearly 48 hours evading capture.

The joint military-CIA operation used helicopters, drones, fighters, bombers, and refueling tankers.

The rescue mission faced significant dangers, including an A-10 that had to eject after being damaged.

One of the rescue helicopters was hit by small arms fire, wounding crew members.

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Trump admitted Iranian forces got lucky with the shoulder-fired missile.

Iran's success raised questions about the true state of air dominance.

The F-15 was the first US military aircraft shot down inside Iran since the war's start.

Iran's layered defensive systems remained a threat despite heavy bombing.

The contrast between Pentagon claims and battlefield realities was stark.