US Forces Rescued 2nd Airman Downed in Iran, Trump Announces

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron lands at a base in the Middle East, Jan. 18, 2026. U.S. Central Command via DVIDSU.S. forces, on April 5, successfully rescued a second U.S. airman whose F-15 fight jet was shot downed over Iran.“WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, 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, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND!,” President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post announcing the successful recovery mission.