U.S. Air Force officer recounts two days behind Iranian lines before rescue
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.
A U.S. Air Force weapons systems officer who was part of a two-person crew shot down over Iran in April spoke publicly for the first time about his two-day ordeal behind enemy lines. In an interview on the season premiere of a major news program, the officer, identified by the call sign Dude 44 Bravo, described his ejection, injuries, and efforts to avoid Iranian forces before being rescued.
The pilot of the aircraft was recovered within hours, but Bravo remained alone in the mountainous region for 48 hours until a rescue team located him. He said he told the rescuers, "I’m glad you’re here," as they arrived.
The interview also featured comments from senior defense leaders, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and U.S. Central Command head Admiral Brad Cooper, who outlined the scale and complexity of the operation.
The segment aired on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.