A U.S. Air Force F-15E crew member was successfully rescued in Iran on Sunday, thanks to a “highly advanced” tracking device, President Trump announced on Monday.
The Air Force weapons systems officer managed to evade capture for nearly two days despite being injured. His safe return was facilitated by a bold rescue operation, aided by the sophisticated device that allowed U.S. military forces to pinpoint his location.
“He scaled cliffs while bleeding heavily, administered first aid to himself, and communicated his position to American forces,” President Trump stated during a press conference at the White House.
The president elaborated, “They carry a very advanced beeper-like device at all times during missions.”
Trump further emphasized, “Before they embark on these missions, they ensure that these devices are fully charged and in perfect working condition.”
The airman’s device “performed exceptionally well,” Trump noted, adding that it “undoubtedly saved his life.”
Trump appeared to be referring to the rescue beacons carried by all US airmen in their vests.
âUS Air Force fighter pilots use Combat Survivor Evader Locators (CSEL) to give off homing signals,â an Air Force official told The Post.Â
CSEL beacons, manufactured by Boeing, were also credited with helping the US military track down and rescue an Air Force pilot and weapons systems officer that crashed in Libya in 2011.Â
The beacons transmit encrypted distress signals that can be detected by aircraft and satellites, according to the Jerusalem Post, and turn on automatically when the pilot ejects from the plane.
The devices, which resemble a walkie talkie, can continuously send encrypted coordinates to rescuers via military satellites and can function as a radio when rescuers come within range.
The US military deployed 155 aircraft including four bombers, 64 fighter jets, 48 refueling tankers and 13 rescue aircraft as part of the mission to rescue the F-15E crew member.
Meanwhile, the CIA engaged in a âdeception campaignâ to throw off Iranian forces and buy the airman and his rescuers time, Director John Ratcliffe explained at the White House.
Iran used sniffer dogs to try to track down the downed airman, according to US military sources, but they were no match for the courageous airman and the service members deployed to get him.
âOur intelligence reflects that the Iranians were embarrassed and ultimately humiliated by the success of this audacious rescue mission,â Ratcliffe claimed.
