By Justin Bailey
The U.S. military rescued the second crew member from a plane shot down over Iran.
A U.S. Air Force Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) was rescued after a daring 24-hour evasion behind enemy lines in Iran, which included hiding in a mountain crevice and scaling a 7,000-foot (2,100-meter) ridgeline. The officer was part of a two-person crew on an F-15E Strike Eagle that was shot down over Iran in early April 2026.
Following the ejection, the injured officer hid in a mountain crevice, avoiding encroaching Iranian forces. During this time, he hiked to a 7,000-foot ridge, according to U.S. military officials.
Although the U.S. initially didn’t know his location, the CIA and U.S. intelligence located the officer’s position.
U.S. Special Operations forces, specifically Navy SEAL Team 6, rescued the officer. During the operation, U.S. aircraft conducted strikes to keep Iranian forces away, according to reports.
The officer was brought out safely and taken for medical treatment in Kuwait.
Trump announced the crew member’s rescue Sunday in a Truth Social post. “WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. history, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND!” Trump wrote. (RELATED: ‘Time Is Running Out’: Trump Warns Iran To Open Strait Of Hormuz Within 48 Hours)
“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour, but was never truly alone because his Commander in Chief, Secretary of War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and fellow Warfighters were monitoring his location 24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue,” the president continued.
Trump said he ordered “dozens of aircraft” to take part in the rescue operation, noting that the officer had suffered injuries but would recover. He wrote that the U.S. government did not confirm the rescue of the other crew member in order not to “jeopardize our second rescue operation.”
The officer’s rescue came after a two-day life-or-death struggle between American and Iranian forces to reach the wounded officer, officials told the NYT. U.S. commandos reportedly retrieved the airman in a large operation involving hundreds of special operations personnel. No U.S. casualties were suffered by the extraction team, according to a senior U.S. official. All special forces and the weapons officer came back safely and planes took the extracted officer to Kuwait for treatment, the NYT reported.
“WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!” Trump wrote, saying all Americans should be proud of the operation. “GOD BLESS AMERICA, GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS, AND HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!”
An F-15E Strike Eagle was first reported shot down over Iran on April 4, citing officials. Officials later said that one of the crew members was recovered. Iranian state media had reported shooting down an aircraft, claiming it was an F-35. Images appeared to match an F-15, Axios reported on April 4. The U.S. and Israel first struck Iran on Feb. 28, marking the beginning of Operation Epic Fury.
