After evacuating the second crew member of the downed F-15E, the U.S. had to destroy two HC-130J Combat King II rescue aircraft and two helicopters that, for unknown reasons, were unable to leave Iran.
The aircraft were blown up on the ground to prevent them from falling into Iranian hands after landing at an improvised refueling site.
Three additional HC-130J Combat King II aircraft were then dispatched to continue the combat search-and-rescue mission.
The wreckage of a U.S. MH-6 Little Bird helicopter was spotted next to the remains of HC-130J Combat King II rescue aircraft that were destroyed by U.S. airstrikes in Iran to prevent them from falling into IRGC hands. (h/t Clash Report)
The images are eerily reminiscent of the failed ‘Desert One’ Iranian rescue mission under President Carter in 1980, except this time, the mission was highly successful.
Hellbound and Down 