U.S. military launched a high-stakes rescue operation after an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over Iran, marking the first fighter jet lost to enemy fire in the war. Two crew members ejected, with the pilot rescued after six hours despite heavy enemy fire. The weapons systems officer became separated during the ejection, triggering a massive two-day search across the entire theater.

The missing officer evaded capture while hiding in a mountain crevice, forcing Pentagon officials to delay announcing the pilot's rescue. U.S. officials deployed approximately 100 Special Operations forces, including SEAL Team 6, Delta Force commandos, and Army Rangers for the complex mission. The C.I.A. implemented a deception plan to confuse Iranian search parties.

After confirming the officer's location and identity using specialized technology, commandos executed the rescue under cover of darkness. The mission succeeded despite complications when C-130 aircraft became stuck in sand at a makeshift airstrip, requiring replacement aircraft. The rescued officer was ultimately evacuated while American forces destroyed the disabled planes.