The U.S. Air Force has released new footage showing a major combat search-and-rescue mission inside Iran. The operation took place after an American F-15E Strike Eagle went down in April 2026.
The mission focused on rescuing an injured airman, identified as Dude44 Bravo. He suffered serious injuries during his ejection but continued moving through the Iranian landscape while American forces searched for him.
The footage shows rescue teams locating Bravo, reaching him on a mountain ridge, and preparing him for evacuation.
F-15E Crew Forced to Eject
The incident involved an F-15E Strike Eagle operating under the call sign βDude 44.β A missile struck the aircraft while it was inside Iran.
The two crew members, known as Dude44 Alpha and Dude44 Bravo, ejected from the aircraft. They landed in different locations.
American forces found Alpha within a few hours and brought him to safety. Bravo faced a much more difficult situation.
Bravo Suffered Serious Injuries
Bravo suffered injuries to his back, arm, and shoulder during the ejection. Reports also say that problems with his parachute made the landing more difficult.
Despite his injuries, Bravo continued moving through the area for almost two days. He tried to reach a safer location while American aircraft searched for him.
He eventually reached a mountain ridgeline at an elevation of around 7,000 feet.
American Aircraft Continued the Search
American aircraft searched for Bravo throughout the operation. Helicopters flew over the area while other aircraft supported the wider rescue mission.
The search also took place near Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces. American bombers and drones carried out strikes against Iranian forces in the surrounding area during the operation.
The mission required a large number of military personnel. According to U.S. Central Command, around 92 American service members reached the ground as part of the rescue effort.
PJs Reach the Injured Airman
A major moment came on April 5, when two U.S. Air Force pararescue operators reached Bravo on the mountain ridgeline.
Military personnel commonly call these highly trained rescuers βPJs,β or Pararescuemen.
The rescue team first reached a temporary desert airstrip. From there, they used a small helicopter to approach Bravo’s location.
When a PJ finally appeared on the ridgeline, Bravo described the moment as one of the greatest moments of his life.
The rescuers then asked him to prepare for the next stage of the evacuation. Bravo responded with a simple phrase:
βLetβs go.β
Rescue Team Faces Another Problem
Reaching Bravo did not immediately end the mission. The rescue team still had to move him and the other personnel out of the area.
During the operation, the landing gear of two aircraft became stuck in desert sand. The incident temporarily left Bravo and more than 90 American military personnel inside Iran.
A specialized U.S. Air Force unit later helped the group complete the evacuation.
Bravo Leaves Iran After Nearly Two Days
The rescue team eventually brought Bravo out of Iran about 50 hours after the F-15E went down.
The operation concluded around sunrise on Easter Sunday. The newly released footage now gives the public a closer look at the difficult mission.
The video also shows the coordination between aircraft, ground teams and pararescue operators during the search and evacuation.
A Large-Scale Combat Rescue Operation
The mission required American forces to search a hostile area, locate an injured airman and move him to safety.
Bravo spent almost two days inside Iran while dealing with serious injuries. American aircraft continued the search until rescuers reached him on the mountain ridge.
The newly released footage provides a rare look at the operation and the effort required to bring Dude44 Bravo safely out of Iran.
