Declassified Report Details Secret 1997 Rescue of F-15E Pilot From Inside Iran
A newly declassified report has revealed a dramatic U.S. military operation to rescue a downed F-15E pilot from inside Iran in 1997. The aviator, Lt. Col. Jon "JB" Kelk, became disoriented during a training exercise and inadvertently flew into Iranian airspace, where he was forced to eject. A major Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) mission was launched from Kuwait. U.S. special operations helicopters, escorted by A-10s and F-16s, covertly entered Iranian territory to retrieve the pilot. The successful operation remained classified for over two decades.
Official Source: https://www.airandspaceforces.com/f-15e-aviator-missing-in-iran-rescued-by-us-forces/
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