Nancy Mace calls for prayers as US launches rescue mission for downed F-15 jet over Iran
WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Nancy Mace issued a statement on Sunday, April 5, following reports that a US F-15E fighter jet was downed over Iran. Her remarks come as the conflict in the region continues to expand.
The US and Israel launched joint strikes on February 28, targeting Iran’s political and military establishment after negotiations over its nuclear program failed. Iran has repeatedly targeted US military assets, along with civilian and strategic infrastructure in neighboring countries, since the conflict began.
Nancy Mace’s remarks on rescue efforts and ongoing conflict
In a post on X, Mace stated, "The United States does not abandon the men and women who answer its call. Not on the battlefield. Not ever. Many unconfirmed reports on the F15 rescue and evacuation operation tonight - please pray for our soldiers - and all American troops in harms way."
She urged, "Please pray for the safe return of every single one and pray for those who sacrificed it all." Appearing on Fox Business on Saturday, April 4, Mace responded to questions regarding the implications of the downed jet on ongoing negotiations with Iran.
Mace emphasized, "Well, I trust President Trump on this and the negotiations and that it will not affect our negotiations with Iran."
She expressed pride in the US military, noting, "I have never been more proud to be an American than yesterday afternoon, we heard hours after one of the airmen ejected out of that jet, that American forces, special operations forces went in and successfully found one of our soldiers."
She added that this reflects "the incredible investment America has made in the greatest fighting force in the world to show how strong, how fierce and how smart these guys and gals are and how successful they have been so far in this endeavor."
Mace continued, "We're praying that the second soldier will be found swiftly. So our prayers are with that soldier and that soldier's family this Easter weekend." Addressing broader public sentiment, Mace said, "I don't think so, but it does illustrate the inherent risks of war, potential escalation, for example."
She concluded, "Most Americans that I talk to... no one wants an elongated conflict like Iraq or like Afghanistan, a 20 year never ending war where we don't have an exit strategy." Emphasizing the need for clarity, she stated, "We owe them an answer to the question of how does this end as we do with every single conflict?"
Details of downing of US jet and military response
According to a US official, the two-seater F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down by Iran, prompting an immediate search and rescue mission for its crew. One crew member has been successfully rescued, while efforts continue to locate the second. A regional Iranian governor reportedly offered a bounty for the crew.
During the rescue operation, additional US military assets came under fire. An A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft, also known as a Warthog, was struck by Iranian fire while supporting the mission. The aircraft managed to reach Kuwaiti airspace before the pilot ejected safely; the aircraft subsequently crashed in Kuwait. The pilot was confirmed safe.
Two US military Blackhawk helicopters involved in the rescue efforts were also hit by Iranian fire, though no personnel aboard were injured.
Iranian state media published images and claims from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps asserting responsibility for downing the F-15E. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the status of the second crew member.
While initial claims suggested capture, the governor of Iran’s Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province denied that the missing pilot had been found or detained. The regional leadership of the IRGC also refuted reports that the second pilot had been captured by special airborne forces.
