US Airman Recounts 50-Hour Survival and Rescue After Jet Shot Down Over Iran

A US Air Force officer, identified by the call sign 'Bravo,' has publicly recounted the downing of his F-15E Strike Eagle over Iran on April 2. According to the officer, the aircraft was struck by a shoulder-fired missile. Bravo, the weapons systems officer, survived the ejection despite suffering a broken back and other injuries, spending two days evading Iranian forces searching for him. In an interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes, he described his survival as a 'modern-day miracle.' Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, confirmed the aircraft was targeting industrial facilities linked to Iran’s missile and drone programs south of Isfahan. Reports indicate that approximately 92 US troops were deployed into Iran to recover the airman, marking one of the largest combat rescue operations in recent US military history. The CIA reportedly played a pivotal role, utilizing classified technology and deception operations to pinpoint Bravo’s location. Following the recovery, the rescue force faced complications when the landing gear of their transport aircraft became stuck in the sand. US forces subsequently destroyed the two stranded aircraft and accompanying helicopters to prevent the capture of sensitive technology. Bravo was successfully extracted 50 hours after the crash, on Easter Sunday.