Second U.S. crew member of downed fighter jet rescued – One America News Network

OAN Staff Addie Davis
9:58 AM – Monday, April 6, 2026

The second crew member of the downed U.S. F-15E fighter jet in Iran was reportedly rescued over the Easter weekend.

President Donald Trump took to Truth Social early on Easter Sunday to confirm the rescue of the “highly respected Colonel” and praise the precision military operation.

“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!” the president wrote.

 

FROM PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
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…

— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) April 5, 2026

He noted the officer had sustained injuries, but would “be just fine.” In a subsequent post on Sunday, he described him as “seriously wounded.” CBS News reported that he was flown to Kuwait to receive treatment, according to officials.

“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies who were getting closer and closer by the hour,” Trump said.

However, he claimed the service member “was never truly alone,” as his location was being monitored while the rescue was planned.

The operation involved dozens of aircraft, “armed with the most lethal weapons in the World,” Trump said. He noted the unusual circumstance of the rescue being carried out in broad daylight, with U.S. forces spending seven hours over Iran.

Trump also confirmed the Friday rescue of the other pilot of the downed aircraft, explaining they had not previously confirmed it because they wanted to avoid jeopardizing the second rescue mission.

“This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. Pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in Enemy Territory,” Trump said.

“WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!” he added.

 

Trump claimed the successful operation took place without any casualties, noting American military dominance over Iranian skies.

Multiple news outlets reported that U.S. officials confirmed the rescue of the second crew member.

A senior Trump Administration official reportedly told NBC News that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was involved in the rescue mission, leading a deception campaign inside the Islamic Republic that claimed U.S. forces had already located the airman and were moving him out of the country on the ground. While Iranian forces “were confused and uncertain of what was happening,” the CIA searched for and found the American, who was inside a mountain crevice, per the official.

According to reporting by the New York Times, the elite Navy SEAL Team 6 rescued the officer, with hundreds of special operations troops and other military personnel working deep inside the enemy territory, current and former U.S. officials said.

The president said he will give a press conference with the military on Monday afternoon in the Oval Office.

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