Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine provided a more detailed timeline of the mission to rescue the crew from the downed fighter jet, call sign Dude 44.
He said after it was relayed that the F-15E was “down in hostile territory” and its pilot and weapons systems officer had ejected safely, the rescue operation was launched and a U.S. Air Force search-and-rescue task force entered Iran in broad daylight to find and recover the pilot, call sign Dude 44A.
“This was an incredibly dangerous mission, an incredibly dangerous undertaking, but a filled promise made to every American war fighter that you will not be left behind,” Caine said.
He said drones and other aircraft engaged in a gun fight with Iranians during the rescue mission for the downed pilot, and an A-10, which was responsible for communicating with that pilot, was damaged by enemy fire.
Brendan SMIALOWSKI /AFP via Getty Images 
The A-10 pilot “continued to fight, continued the mission” and flew the aircraft into another country, Caine said. After determining that the plane could not be landed safely, the A-10 pilot ejected over friendly territory and was safely recovered.
“This was an incredibly brave and courageous mission, and a testament to the courage, skill and tenacity of the joint force and our leaders,” he said.
Caine said the “backseater,” call sign Dude 44B, evaded Iranians “using every means available,” and the chairman said his “absolute commitment to surviving made much of our efforts possible.”
On Saturday, the rescue operation to recover the weapons systems officer was launched with the mission to “do everything they can to bring an American home,” Caine said.
Caine said that around 12 a.m. ET on Easter Sunday, more than 50 hours after the start of the operation, both crew from Dude 44 were declared returned to friendly territory.
“This operation serves as a clear reminder of the capability and will of America’s joint force,” he said. “The United States of America will recover our war fighters anywhere in the world under any conditions, when we want to.”
