Second US Crew Member Rescued After F-15E Jet Downed Over Iran

U.S. forces have successfully rescued the second crew member from an F-15E fighter jet that was downed in a remote region of Iran. The announcement came early Sunday morning, with President Donald Trump sharing the news via Truth Social. He stated that the missing American, identified as a highly respected Colonel, is now "SAFE and SOUND."

President Trump detailed the operation, announcing, "WE GOT HIM!" He further elaborated that "over the past several hours, 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... and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND!"

The rescued officer sustained injuries but is expected to recover, according to the President. He mentioned that "at my direction, the U.S. Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him."

U.S. officials had previously reported that the F-15E carried a two-person crew when it was targeted by Iranian forces on Friday. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for the strike, asserting that the jet was brought down in southwestern Iran on Friday morning. Images circulated by Iranian media, purportedly showing wreckage consistent with an American F-15, were reviewed by weapons experts who found them to be plausible.

Initially, it was confirmed that the pilot of the F-15E had ejected safely and was recovered by two military helicopters. However, the weapons system officer remained unaccounted for until the successful rescue operation.

During the recovery efforts on Friday, a U.S. helicopter carrying the rescued pilot reportedly came under small arms fire, resulting in injuries to some crew members. Despite the incident, the helicopter managed to land safely. Additionally, an A-10 Warthog aircraft involved in the search mission was damaged after being fired upon. Its pilot ejected over the Persian Gulf and was subsequently recovered, according to U.S. officials.