U.S. Air Force officer shot down in Iran says he prayed while "free-falling" to the ground behind enemy lines

Key Points:

• In April, a U.S. Air Force F-15E was shot down over a mountainous desert area in Iran during a mission targeting Iran's drone and missile program, leading to a harrowing survival and rescue operation for the two-man crew, call signs Alpha (pilot) and Bravo (weapons-systems officer).
• Bravo's parachute was damaged by the missile, causing him to free-fall at high speed and sustain serious injuries including a broken back, arm, and shoulder; he survived two days behind enemy lines before being rescued in a complex mission involving over 90 U.S. service members and significant CIA support.
• Alpha was rescued safely within six hours during a daytime raid under fire, while Bravo's rescue required a nighttime operation with extensive coordination, deception tactics, and airstrikes to clear Iranian forces, marking the first U.S. boots on the ground in Iran in 46 years.
• The rescue involved landing on a makeshift desert airstrip, where two large planes became stuck, necessitating the destruction of these aircraft and helicopters to prevent technology capture, with Bravo finally rescued 50 hours after being downed.
• Bravo emphasized the mission as a testament to teamwork, training, faith, and leadership, highlighting America's commitment to leaving no one behind, while Alpha expressed gratitude for the professionalism of the rescue forces and has since returned to flying duties.