Like Something Out of ‘Call of Duty’: Details of Complex U.S. Operation to Rescue Downed Pilot in Iran

That was truly out of a video game.

A U.S. operation to rescue an American pilot in Iran turned out to be a huge success. In the early hours of Sunday, President Donald Trump announced they had rescued the pilot after a “miraculous” search and rescue 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!” Trump posted on True Social.

The details of the operation make it look like it was out of a movie or a video game. It included the CIA launching misinformation to distract Iranian forces and have an easy way to the pilot.

After the F-15 was hit, an American Pilot was rescued immediately. The second hid in the mountains for about three days, while Iranian and U.S. forces tried to locate him.

The crew wasn’t helpless once they ejected. They switched on their Boeing CSEL unit, a device strapped to the vest, designed to survive ejection.

It sends exact location, status updates, “injured,” or “enemy nearby.” All hidden in frequency-hopping signals that look like background noise to Iranian trackers. Military satellites get the signs while the pilots remain silent and invisible to enemy forces.

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U.S. Operation Pulls Off Huge Rescue on Iranian Soil

Special forces soldiers.Special forces soldiers. Andrew Craft / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

X account “World Updates” shared an hour-by-hour recap of the U.S. operation, which lasted about 48 hours inside enemy territory.

APRIL 3

F-15E Strike Eagle (Viper 21) shot down by Russian missile over southwestern Iran.
Mach 2.8 intercept, proximity fuse detonation.
Both crew members eject successfully.

HOUR 0

Pilot recovered within minutes by ground team.
WSO lands alone, injured (broken ankle), deep in enemy territory.

HOURS 1-4

WSO starts evasion using night and terrain.
IRGC launches massive manhunt with drones and dogs.

HOURS 4-8

Thousands of Iranian civilians join the search for bounties.
U.S. jams Iranian radars and communications.

HOURS 8-12

WSO climbs 7,000-ft ridge despite injury.
U.S. strikes crater roads to block IRGC reinforcements.

HOURS 12-18

WSO reaches ridge top, hides in rocky crevice.
Makes first brief radio contact with friendly forces.

HOURS 18-24

A-10 Warthog shot down by Chinese MANPADS.
Pilot safely recovered by naval assets.

HOURS 24-30

Two HH-60W rescue helicopters hit by ground fire during attempt.
Crews wounded but return to base.

HOURS 30-36

U.S. escalates with cruise missile strikes on IRGC air defenses.
WSO survives near-miss drone strike, relocates under fire.

HOURS 36-42

Nighttime full extraction launched.
Special operations teams insert and engage IRGC in firefight.

HOURS 42-48

WSO located, stabilized on site, and extracted under heavy fire.

APRIL 5 — EARLY HOURS

WSO pulled out alive and conscious.
Both F-15E crew members safe.


The Pentagon called the mission “one of the most complex.” Even so, it was a success.