President Donald Trump announced early Sunday that the second U.S. pilot from the F-15 shot down over Iran has been rescued by U.S. special forces.
“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 posted on Truth Social.
He added that the pilot, missing for over a day after Iranian forces downed the U.S. aircraft while over its airspace, “sustained injuries, but he will be just fine.” No U.S. troops were injured in the rescue mission.
Trump detailed part of the search-and-rescue operation, which included sending “dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World.” The president also said he, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine “were monitoring his location 24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue.”
Trump went on to also confirm the rescue of the second pilot a day prior, which was only reported by media outlets at the time.
“This miraculous Search and Rescue Operation comes in addition to a successful rescue of another brave Pilot, yesterday, which we did not confirm, because we did not want to jeopardize our second rescue operation. This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. Pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in Enemy Territory. WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!” he added.
Trump pointed to the missions’ success as evidence that the United States has “achieved overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over the Iranian skies.”
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“This is a moment that ALL Americans, Republican, Democrat, and everyone else, should be proud of and united around. We truly have the best, most professional, and lethal Military in the History of the World. GOD BLESS AMERICA, GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS, AND HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!” he concluded.
Trump’s announcement caps an end to the search-and-rescue operation that began on Friday and lasted until Easter Sunday.