Pentagon releases video of September 13 rescue of downed F-15E crew in Iran

Pentagon releases video of September 13 rescue of downed F-15E crew in Iran

Security

On 16 September, the Pentagon released video showing the combat search-and-rescue mission that recovered a severely injured weapons systems officer after his F-15E was shot down over Iran on 13 September. The officer, call sign Dude 44 Bravo, told U. S.

Central Command that a missile strike forced him to eject, his parachute was damaged and he spent roughly 50 hours evading Iranian forces, at one point climbing a 7,000-foot ridge before pararescue teams extracted him. Senior defense officials said the operation involved hundreds of personnel and that the aircraft’s pilot had been rescued earlier.

Actors

U.S. Air Force weapons systems officer (call sign Dude 44 Bravo) Gen. Dan Caine Pete Hegseth Admiral Brad Cooper U.S. Central Command U.S. Department of Defense

Locations

Iran United States

Fact Check

How these metrics work
Verdict: Partial Confidence: 55% Claims: 3
At a glance

There is not enough evidence to verify that on September 13, 2026, an Air Force colonel survived a missile strike, a high-speed ejection, and two days behind enemy lines before being rescued by a large-scale U.S. operation. There is not enough evidence to confirm that the Pentagon disclosed footage of a large-scale combat search-and-rescue mission on September 16, 2026. It is partially confirmed that an F-15E was shot down over Iran earlier in 2026.

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Articles

September 16, 2026
1 total
U.S. military releases video of combat rescue of downed F-15E crew in Iran
U.S. military releases video of combat rescue of downed F-15E crew in Iran

Fox News • 16 Sep 07:12

The Pentagon disclosed footage of a large-scale combat search-and-rescue mission that recovered a severely injured airman after an F-15E was shot down over Iran earlier this year.

Credibility 72% Manip. 38% Right
September 14, 2026
4 total
US airman recounts 50-hour ordeal and rescue after Iran shoot-down
US airman recounts 50-hour ordeal and rescue after Iran shoot-down

The Guardian • 14 Sep 14:42

A U.S. airman who survived a missile strike over Iran described his 50-hour escape and a large-scale rescue operation that involved special-operations forces, which was featured on a CBS news program.

Credibility 68% Manip. 34% Left
US Air Force colonel recounts survival after F-15E shot down over Iran
US Air Force colonel recounts survival after F-15E shot down over Iran

Fox News • 14 Sep 11:31

An Air Force colonel who was the weapons systems officer on an F-15E shot down by an Iranian missile described his 50-hour ordeal and return to safety, while oil markets reacted to escalating regional tensions.

Credibility 68% Manip. 45% Right
US Air Force officer recounts ejection and survival after F-15 downed over Iran
US Air Force officer recounts ejection and survival after F-15 downed over Iran

nbcnews.com • 14 Sep 01:51

An unnamed Air Force weapons systems officer described the missile strike on his F-15, a damaged parachute, and a two-day escape before being rescued by pararescue personnel.

Credibility 72% Manip. 7% Center
U.S. Air Force officer rescued after climbing 7,000-foot ridge in Iran
U.S. Air Force officer rescued after climbing 7,000-foot ridge in Iran

CBS News • 14 Sep 00:00

A severely injured Air Force weapons systems officer survived a crash in Iran, climbed a mountain ridge and was recovered in a large-scale rescue operation involving hundreds of U.S. personnel.

Credibility 78% Manip. 27% Center
September 13, 2026
1 total
U.S. Air Force officer rescued after F-15E shot down over Iran
U.S. Air Force officer rescued after F-15E shot down over Iran

CBS News • 13 Sep 23:58

An Air Force colonel who survived a missile strike, a high-speed ejection and two days behind enemy lines was rescued by a large-scale U.S. operation in Iran, while his pilot was recovered earlier.

Credibility 72% Manip. 32% Center
September 08, 2026
1 total
U.S. Air Force officer recounts two days behind Iranian lines before rescue
U.S. Air Force officer recounts two days behind Iranian lines before rescue

CBS News • 08 Sep 11:57

The weapons systems officer from the downed U.S. fighter jet described his survival and evasion in Iran, while senior U.S. defense officials discussed the rescue operation.

Credibility 78% Manip. 9% Center

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