Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth detailed the rescue of a downed American airman, describing the mission as a coordinated effort carried out under dangerous conditions and highlighting the role of military training, technology, and personnel.
According to Hegseth, the airman was shot down on Good Friday and remained hidden for an extended period before being rescued during a weekend operation that concluded on Easter Sunday.
“His first message was simple and it was powerful,” Hegseth said.
“He sent a message, God is good.”
Hegseth said the airman’s message came during a period of isolation and uncertainty. “In that moment of isolation and danger, his faith and fighting spirit shown through,” he said.
He described the sequence of events surrounding the rescue.
“Shot down on a Friday, Good Friday,” Hegseth said.
“Hidden in a cave, a crevice, all of Saturday and rescued on Sunday.”
The airman was then transported out of the region shortly after the rescue operation.
“Flown out of Iran as the sun was rising on Easter Sunday,” Hegseth said.
Hegseth characterized the outcome of the mission as a successful recovery of all personnel involved.
“A pilot reborn all home and accounted for a nation rejoicing,” he said.
He reiterated the phrase that the airman had communicated during the ordeal.
“God is good,” Hegseth said.
The defense secretary also emphasized the operational conditions faced by U.S. forces during the rescue effort.
“Despite incoming fire and unforgiving conditions, our troops brought every American home,” he said.
Hegseth stated that no American personnel were lost during the mission.
“No American lives were lost,” he said.
He added that the outcome reflects a broader principle guiding U.S. military operations. “We leave no man behind,” Hegseth said.
Hegseth attributed the success of the mission to specific factors within the military.
“And that is not luck,” he said.
He pointed to training and resources as key components.
“It’s the result of unmatched training, superior technology and unbreakable warrior ethos and sheer American Grit,” Hegseth said.
The defense secretary also praised the performance of those directly involved in the operation.
“Our special operators, pilots and support crews, performed with near perfection under fire,” he said.
He added that those forces were effective in carrying out their objectives during the mission.
“And they were lethal,” Hegseth said.
Hegseth concluded by referencing the threat environment during the rescue.
“Just ask any Iranian soldier who dared attempt to get anywhere near that pilot before or during that mission,” he said.
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