Evacuating the ‘Dudes’: How US pulled off a high-risk rescue of F-15 pilots in Iran

 A daring two-day US Air Force mission unfolded over Iran after an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down. Hundreds of personnel and nearly 176 aircraft executed a complex combat search and rescue, braving heavy fire to extract both stranded airmen. Deception tactics were crucial in locating the second crew member amidst a massive Iranian manhunt. A daring two-day US Air Force mission unfolded over Iran after an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down. Hundreds of personnel and nearly 176 aircraft executed a complex combat search and rescue, braving heavy fire to extract both stranded airmen. Deception tactics were crucial in locating the second crew member amidst a massive Iranian manhunt.