Rescue team in Iran face ‘harrowing and dangerous’ search for US crew member

Rescue team in Iran face ‘harrowing and dangerous’ search for US crew member

A US F-15 pilot reportedly survived after being shot down in Iran, marking a potential milestone in the nation’s long-standing combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) history. The operation, still underway for the second crew member, highlights the perilous nature of such missions, according to CBS, the BBC’s US partner.

CSAR missions: High-stakes operations in hostile zones

Combat search-and-rescue missions are classified as some of the most intricate and time-critical operations in military strategy. Elite US Air Force units, trained specifically for these roles, are often stationed near conflict zones to respond swiftly if aircraft are lost. Unlike standard rescue efforts, which might occur during peacekeeping or disaster response, CSAR teams operate in environments where enemy forces actively seek to intercept them.

“Harrowing and massively dangerous is an understatement,” said a former pararescue jumpers commander to CBS News. “This is what they train to do, all over the world. They are known as the Swiss Army knives of the Air Force.”

Verified footage from Iran on Friday appeared to show military helicopters and refueling aircraft in action over Khuzestan province. Such operations require precision, as enemy troops are likely to deploy quickly to locate the US personnel.

A history of peril and innovation

CSAR’s origins trace back to World War One, when pilots conducted ad-hoc landings to save downed comrades. The modern version emerged during the Vietnam War, with missions like Bat 21 becoming legendary for their scope and risk. This mission, which resulted in multiple casualties, spurred the development of more advanced tactics and procedures.

Pararescue units, a cornerstone of CSAR, were formalized after a 1943 operation in Burma, where two combat surgeons parachuted to aid wounded soldiers. The first operational helicopter rescue came a year later, as a US lieutenant evaded Japanese lines to recover troops. These early efforts laid the groundwork for today’s sophisticated rescue protocols.

Jonathan Hackett, a former US Marine Corps Special Operations specialist, explained that teams prioritize finding signs of life. “They work backwards from the last known position, spreading out based on how fast the person could move through tough terrain,” he told the BBC’s World Tonight programme. Indigenous groups in the region may also be enlisted to create backup plans for swift action.