The United States conducted a high-risk rescue operation in southwestern Iran after an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down. One crew member was quickly rescued, but a senior weapons systems officer remained stranded for over 24 hours. To secure his extraction, US forces executed a complex mission involving airstrikes on Iranian convoys and the deployment of special operations teams, including members of Navy SEAL Team 6. The officer survived by hiding in rugged terrain before being successfully recovered, albeit with serious injuries. As the situation escalated and Iranian forces closed in, US commanders made the difficult decision to destroy at least one aircraft valued at over $100 million to prevent sensitive technology from falling into enemy hands. This protocol underscores the military's priority of safeguarding classified equipment during high-risk missions, even at a significant financial loss.