According to a report by The Times of Israel, the rescue of a downed US F-15 airman in Iran involved high-stakes operations, including the destruction of American aircraft to prevent them from falling into Iranian hands.
The report states that the weapons systems officer was unconscious and lightly concussed after ejecting and landing in Iran on Friday morning, which initially prevented him from making contact with US forces. He later established communication at noon Israel time from the highest point he could find to avoid capture.
After making contact, the airman walked approximately 10–12 kilometers (6–7.5 miles), found a crevice to hide in, and sent his specific location on Friday night, the sources said. Israel reportedly refrained from attacking near his position and provided targeted intelligence to assist in the rescue, a claim that contrasts with American accounts stating Israel offered only general intelligence support.
During Friday and Saturday, Israel was asked by the United States to help maintain air supremacy in the area and reportedly attacked “relevant targets.”
Ahead of the rescue, US forces secured a small airfield or agricultural field. Two US C-130 planes carrying Little Bird helicopters landed there. The helicopters then retrieved the crewman from his hiding spot and returned him, described as “exhausted,” to the secured field.
The operation faced additional complications when the C-130 aircraft became stuck in the sand and could not take off. Three lighter aircraft were called in to evacuate the crewman and the remaining 90-strong rescue team.
Following the extraction, US warplanes destroyed the C-130s. The report notes that Iranian propaganda images later showed the destroyed planes, which had been deliberately destroyed to prevent their capture and use by Iranian forces.
The sources detailed the rescue operation, highlighting the combination of ground movement, helicopter extraction, and air support involved in recovering the downed airman. The mission included multiple high-risk elements, including a concussed crew member, challenging terrain, and the deliberate destruction of valuable military assets to prevent enemy acquisition.
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