F-15E Weapon Systems Officer Shot Down Over Iran Has Been Rescued (Updated)

Summary

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Weapons System Officer (WSO), who had been missing after his aircraft was shot down over Iran on Friday, was successfully rescued through a high-risk combat search and rescue (CSAR) operation deep in Iranian territory. The rescue mission, conducted by specialized U.S. special operations forces with significant air cover, involved a massive firefight at the extraction site as Iranian forces were actively searching for the downed airman, who sustained injuries but survived. This rescue followed a separate successful recovery of the aircraft's pilot the previous day, marking what officials described as the first time in recent military memory that two U.S. aircrew members were rescued separately from deep within enemy territory. President Trump confirmed the rescue via Truth Social, praising the military operation as one of the most daring search and rescue missions in U.S. history and emphasizing that the operation was completed without any American fatalities. The operation involved dozens of aircraft, HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters, HC-130J Combat King planes, and various surveillance assets, though two helicopters reportedly sustained damage from enemy fire during the mission.