“WE GOT HIM!” – Shot Down Airman Rescued by US Forces in Iran

WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND! This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour, but was never truly alone because his Commander in Chief, Secretary of War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and fellow Warfighters were monitoring his location 24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue. At my direction, the U.S. Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him. He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine. This miraculous Search and Rescue Operation comes in addition to a successful rescue of another brave Pilot, yesterday, which we did not confirm, because we did not want to jeopardize our second rescue operation. This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. Pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in Enemy Territory. WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND! The fact that we were able to pull off both of these operations, without a SINGLE American killed, or even wounded, just proves once again, that we have achieved overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over the Iranian skies. This is a moment that ALL Americans, Republican, Democrat, and everyone else, should be proud of and united around. We truly have the best, most professional, and lethal Military in the History of the World. GOD BLESS AMERICA, GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS, AND HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!

No American casualties. Prayers answered.

Posted by: Buck Throckmorton at 07:32 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Fantastic news

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2026 07:35 AM (Ia/+0)

2 halleluiah indeed

Posted by: DanMan at April 05, 2026 07:37 AM (8uzBS)

3 willowed:

Looks like the IRCG, bitter enders all, want to wait us out. They are depending on Leftists in the US, muslim immigrants to the US, and the slavishly anti-American media. Sadly, we now have to hit Iran much harder.

We torched 2 C-130s as the price of getting the WSO out. Very expensive. Aircrew must have soaring morale, to see the efforts we took to rescue one of their own.

Well done to all involved.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2026 07:37 AM (u82oZ)

4 I JUST SAW THIS ON MS Now and came to pist it.

Thank you for a very Happy Easter thread!

Posted by: Stateless - He ain't heavy, he's my dog. Old, but full of life. at April 05, 2026 07:37 AM (Sco7b)

5 Also to pist it.

Posted by: Stateless - He ain't heavy, he's my dog. Old, but full of life. at April 05, 2026 07:37 AM (Sco7b)

6 And to post it.

I need coffee.

And proof-reading lessons.

Posted by: Stateless - He ain't heavy, he's my dog. Old, but full of life. at April 05, 2026 07:38 AM (Sco7b)

7 Thank you, Buck!

Posted by: m at April 05, 2026 07:39 AM (fNISR)

Posted by: The MSM at April 05, 2026 07:39 AM (vFG9F)

9 Stateless

No worries. We have early-morning-post translation abilities.

May coffee dilute the BAC.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2026 07:39 AM (u82oZ)

10 “WE GOT HIM!”

Good news. Are we sure it's a "him"?

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at April 05, 2026 07:40 AM (0N4FZ)

11 From the Daily Mail *pile of salt*, the WSO walked 75 miles away from the crash site in 36 hours. Glad to see air crew fitness standards are high.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2026 07:41 AM (u82oZ)

12 Trump says the rescued WSO holds the rank of colonel. That would make him most likely the squadron's CO or XO.

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2026 07:41 AM (Y1sOo)

13 Nailed it

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 05, 2026 07:42 AM (AkEZC)

14 Wonderful news. Starting Easter morning off right.

Posted by: Now, Where's The Coffee? at April 05, 2026 07:42 AM (oftw2)

15 Yes, thanks Lord and gratitude to the brave rescue team!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 05, 2026 07:43 AM (rZCVI)

16 >>We torched 2 C-130s as the price of getting the WSO out.

DM says we lost a SPECFOR Little Bird, too.

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2026 07:43 AM (Y1sOo)

17 Today, Buck is our host while we eat our toast.

Posted by: Surly Riser at April 05, 2026 07:43 AM (oftw2)

18 one hour sober

The US worked for years, training, equipping, and testing doctrine to pull this off. Extremely impressive.

And the injured colonel was fit, if reports are to be believed. Hard to believe no deaths among the forces, but a number were injured.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2026 07:45 AM (u82oZ)

19 Someone here yesterday proposed an excellent idea. We should drop dummies in ejections seats (or maybe even just kitchen chairs with parachutes but no occupants) over Iran to lure in the bad guys, and then deal with them as we do.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 05, 2026 07:45 AM (Riz8t)

20 Thanks be to God for this! Blessed Resurrection Day to you all!!

Posted by: Moki at April 05, 2026 07:45 AM (wLjpr)

21 one hour sober

Delta was there. Some details hopefully will be in a CENTCOM briefing.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2026 07:47 AM (u82oZ)

22 I haven't heard any more about Iraqi militia columns Iran called in to shoot the disgruntled. I guess they got the message after we hit the first one.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 05, 2026 07:47 AM (Riz8t)

23 What's the Colonel's name?

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2026 07:48 AM (2Ez/1)

24 {{{Moki }}}

He is risen.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2026 07:48 AM (u82oZ)

25 Two articles, and photos at twz dot com.

twz = the war zone

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 05, 2026 07:49 AM (AkEZC)

26 I need coffee.

And proof-reading lessons.
Posted by: Stateless - He ain't heavy, he's my dog. Old, but full of life. at April 05, 2026 07:38 AM (Sco7b)

Ace has previously stated that proof-reading is gay. Given the frequency with which he breaks the blog, I think he's serious.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2026 07:49 AM (ExV1e)

27
75 miles over mountainous terrain in a day and a half? Injured?

c'mon man
I used to have the Daily Mail bookmarked- I don't look at their site anymore because it's all tabloid garbage- and half their stories are behind a paywall anyway

Posted by: Don Black at April 05, 2026 07:49 AM (ZxPkt)

28 The American left is having a horrible day. First it’s Easter. Religious holiday, then an American airman was successfully recused behind enemy lines.

Screaming at the sky deep in the woods.

Posted by: Get out of my fucking shot at April 05, 2026 07:50 AM (jZ3ZM)

29 Archimedes

Iran is a large nation. A less conspicuous security force crossing the border may work for a while.

Time to arm the Immortal Guard.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2026 07:51 AM (u82oZ)

30 b"h

A Joyous Easter to all the Christian morons

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2026 07:51 AM (RIvkX)

31 Don Black

Same here. DM used to have good coverage, but went too far left and greedy.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2026 07:52 AM (u82oZ)

32 Happy Easter everyone. Definitely a blessed morning.

Posted by: Smell the Glove at April 05, 2026 07:53 AM (19SAM)

33 One can see the hand of Providence in this miraculous rescue at Easter.

Posted by: Don Black at April 05, 2026 07:54 AM (ZxPkt)

34 If someone is born on the Moon, do they automatically become a citizen of the Moon? Likewise, what if they are born on Uranus?

Posted by: fd at April 05, 2026 07:54 AM (vFG9F)

35 Don Black

So many potential points of failure. I am very happy for the good outcome.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2026 07:55 AM (u82oZ)

36 Meanwhile on Good Friday, my Congress-thing, a progressive blonde skirt named Brittany, was tweeting about all the money Hegseth 'wasted' on surf n' turf for the troops.
I gotta get outta this place.

Posted by: Don Black at April 05, 2026 07:57 AM (ZxPkt)

37 Good morning and Happy Easter!

Posted by: Doof at April 05, 2026 07:57 AM (QMAsf)

38 We are blessed.

Have a great day, everyone.

Spread the good news.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2026 07:58 AM (u82oZ)

39 With Daily Mail, you have to sperate out the obvious tabloid, clickbait junk from the real news reporting. They have been first to report on many breaking news events over the years.

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2026 07:58 AM (Y1sOo)

40 What's the Colonel's name?
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2026 07:48 AM (2Ez/1)

Does not appear to have been released as of yet

Posted by: Doof at April 05, 2026 07:58 AM (QMAsf)

41 *separate

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2026 07:59 AM (Y1sOo)

42 Saikat Chakrbarti's qualifications for Congress according to his ads

-AOC and Bernie love him
-Stood up against the genocide in Gaza
-Wrote the Green New Deal
-Replace the Establishment!

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2026 07:59 AM (RIvkX)

43 Buck Throckmorton

Thank you for putting up this post. GTG.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2026 07:59 AM (u82oZ)

44 Great news.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at April 05, 2026 07:59 AM (CHHv1)

45 Awesome news!

Posted by: Statman at April 05, 2026 08:00 AM (LfFNv)

46 Names of both pilot and WSO might not be released for fear of families getting doxxed.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 05, 2026 08:01 AM (gm9Sb)

47 Eric Swallwell's qualifications for governor according to his ads

-Prosecuted Trump
-Make California Affordable

Endorsed by California Nurses Association, California Dental Association, and Uber

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2026 08:02 AM (RIvkX)

48 @amyswearer
To recap, from the standpoint of local time:

Shot down early on Good Friday. Rescued Easter Sunday morning.

If it were a movie plot, we'd roll our eyes at it for being too on the nose but here we are in real life...

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at April 05, 2026 08:04 AM (eZ5tL)

49 Said a little prayer for the airman last night. Woke up to read he was rescued. On Easter. I cheered out loud and scared my cat. Just wow!!!

Posted by: smokin' cat turd at April 05, 2026 08:05 AM (KXId6)

50 If it were a movie plot, we'd roll our eyes at it for being too on the nose but here we are in real life...
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at April 05, 2026 08:04 AM (eZ5tL)
====

It will be one day soon.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2026 08:05 AM (RIvkX)

51 What's the Colonel's name?
——-

During World War Two, it was customary in news reports to give the hometown. Sometimes their street address. This is not done any longer.

Remember the OPM hack? Well - it wasn’t a hack. They outsourced database file management to a Chinese cutout firm. With access to Root. If you don’t know what that means, you probably don’t want to know, from a counterintelligence perspective.

Anyway everyone and anyone who worked or works for the government had their personal and personnel information leaked to the bad guys.

This includes next of kin information, addresses, that kind of thing. It’s comforting to think that while someone is held as a POW, our enemies at home or abroad could be harassing relatives at home, or worse.

Nice, huh? Just one of so very many outrages during the Barky regime.

But - I did get a FREE 6 Month “Lifelock” Subscription!

America. What a Country!

Posted by: Common Tater at April 05, 2026 08:06 AM (0Dsks)

52 Martini Farmer. Thanks for the twz link. The US still has the best military in the world. May they be safe in all of their endeavors.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 05, 2026 08:06 AM (2NHgQ)

53 It will be one day soon.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2026 08:05 AM (RIvkX)

With Hollywood casting a black actress in the role of the rescued WSO

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2026 08:07 AM (Y1sOo)

54 Is the Weapons System Officer female?

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2026 08:08 AM (2Ez/1)

55 If someone is born on the Moon, do they automatically become a citizen of the Moon? Likewise, what if they are born on Uranus?
Posted by: fd at April 05, 2026 07:54 AM (vFG9F)

Then, they're considered a democrat.

Posted by: thatcrazyjerseyguy at April 05, 2026 08:09 AM (5xuJ/)

56 Democrats and America haters hardest hit.

Posted by: DeusExMachina at April 05, 2026 08:10 AM (cmlrb)

57 But - I did get a FREE 6 Month “Lifelock” Subscription!

America. What a Country!
Posted by: Common Tater at April 05, 2026 08:06 AM (0Dsks)
====

I got two such notices of data breaches just last week.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2026 08:10 AM (RIvkX)

58 Thanks be to God! Happy Easter, everyone!

Posted by: bluebell at April 05, 2026 08:10 AM (afFes)

59 Not female.

"At my direction, the U.S. Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him. He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine"

Posted by: Doof at April 05, 2026 08:10 AM (QMAsf)

60 Is the Weapons System Officer female?
———

How could one determine that?? Impossible

Posted by: Action Jackson at April 05, 2026 08:11 AM (0Dsks)

61 I am waiting for end of June to see how the Supreme Court splits the bsby in half

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2026 08:12 AM (Ia/+0)

62 He is Risen! Happy Easter to all who celebrate! And so very thankful for the airman's rescue. I'm sure the Left is seething at their lost cudgel to beath PDJT about the head. G*d is great!

Posted by: Lady in Black at April 05, 2026 08:12 AM (qBdHI)

63 I am waiting for end of June to see how the Supreme Court splits the bsby in half

--

Skip, I think splitting the baby is the best case scenario. I fear we won't even get that.

Posted by: Lady in Black at April 05, 2026 08:13 AM (qBdHI)

64
Even with VPN I'm inundated with calls, emails and texts from frauds.

Posted by: Auspex at April 05, 2026 08:14 AM (Y8DZL)

65 >>Is the Weapons System Officer female?

No, but I wouldn't put it past Hollywood to cast a black (maybe trans, too) actress anyway and call it "based upon real events."

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2026 08:15 AM (Y1sOo)

66 I am waiting for end of June to see how the Supreme Court splits the bsby in half
Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2026 08:12 AM (Ia/+0)

The Constitution doesn't say that the children of people on a daytrip to the US are citizens but you cannot make this determination via EO, only Congress can do that via legislation.

Which is probably the correct decision, since EOs get rescinded and whatnot, but it means that it'll never happen because Congress is treasonous.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2026 08:16 AM (ExV1e)

67 > Remember the OPM hack? Well - it wasn’t a hack. They outsourced database file management to a Chinese cutout firm. With access to Root. If you don’t know what that means, you probably don’t want to know, from a counterintelligence perspective.
----------
I was part of all that, as a former fed employee. Nowhere near important enough to actually be at risk, but the amount of suspect junk mail about nonexistent "cloud accounts" and the like has never stopped since.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 05, 2026 08:16 AM (AkEZC)

68 Besides propaganda value, a senior officer, also a weapons system officer, would be a real intelligence plum both to the Iranians and parties they would auction him off to.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 05, 2026 08:16 AM (gm9Sb)

69 Saw only officer was a Colonel, thought usually WSO is 2nd but who knows what the operation was .

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2026 08:17 AM (Ia/+0)

70 Meanwhile on Good Friday, my Congress-thing, a progressive blonde skirt named Brittany, was tweeting about all the money Hegseth 'wasted' on surf n' turf for the troops.
I gotta get outta this place.

--

That's coincidental. I think about all the money that's wasted on Congress-things like her for her overly lavish salary, golden benefits and perks that none of them deserve.

Posted by: Lady in Black at April 05, 2026 08:17 AM (qBdHI)

71 No, but I wouldn't put it past Hollywood to cast a black (maybe trans, too) actress anyway and call it "based upon real events."
Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2026 08:15 AM (Y1sOo)

Hispanic. Chopper sets down, WTO thinks they're there to rescue him. Out steps ICE who gun him down. Scene change to OrangeManBad laughing in the Oval Office. Fade to black.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2026 08:19 AM (ExV1e)

72 69 There's been many instances where the WSO, BN, RIO, whatever is senior to the pilot. Pilot is still aircraft commander.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 05, 2026 08:19 AM (gm9Sb)

73 I'm guessing he's actually a light colonel (O-5).

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2026 08:20 AM (Y1sOo)

74 Man, I bet some on the left are crying now...

Posted by: weft cut-loop at April 05, 2026 08:21 AM (diia5)

75 By my recollection, by tje time you reach full Colonel your at least higher than squadron Commander.

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2026 08:22 AM (Ia/+0)

76 Seems there are reports coming out of Iran...oh. Nevermind.

Meanwhile in the news, The Epstein Files...

Posted by: This Is CNN at April 05, 2026 08:23 AM (jRlwL)

77 It must suck to be the Iranian search party Skipper right now, confined to a room with three ayatollahs screaming at him while the executioner gets things ready.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 05, 2026 08:23 AM (gm9Sb)

78 Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2026 07:51 AM (RIvkX)

Thanks, dear, and a blessed Passover to you and your family!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 05, 2026 08:24 AM (Nx5jP)

79 It must suck to be the Iranian search party Skipper right now, confined to a room with three ayatollahs screaming at him while the executioner gets things ready.
Posted by: bill in arkansas

I think it's the minor-tollahs now.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at April 05, 2026 08:24 AM (diia5)

80 Military Times:
Commentary: Leave no one behind: A commitment we must continue to make, August 2020

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at April 05, 2026 08:26 AM (NFX2v)

81 My favorite part about the rescue of the pilot is the entire world now knows how far we will go to save the life of one of ours under this leadership. That's the America I love and I don't give a damn what any other country thinks about us.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 05, 2026 08:28 AM (viF8m)

82 Posted by: JackStraw at April 05, 2026 08:28 AM

Well said!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 05, 2026 08:29 AM (rZCVI)

83 JackStraw. Exactly. Wish I could up vote your comment.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 05, 2026 08:30 AM (2NHgQ)

84 So tell me, in our 250 years as a country with countless episodes of "Pentagon reform" why have we never adopted consistent titles for all of the branches of military service?
Sure, tradition and history and all that.
But there are no Sargeants in the Navy or Admirals in the Army, yet there are Lieutenants and Captains in both, but of unequal rank.
If you're just joe average civilian it's very confusing and you're always at risk of accidentally insulting someone.
Oh, and then there's the 37 different flavors of Admiral...

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2026 08:30 AM (2Ez/1)

85 What Jack Straw said!

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at April 05, 2026 08:31 AM (MIIRH)

86 Skip, I think splitting the baby is the best case scenario. I fear we won't even get that.
Posted by: Lady in Black at April 05, 2026 08:13 AM (qBdHI)

Foregone conclusion, I'm afraid. These judges are too removed from current reality, lost within their legal involutions -- always an occupational hazard or defect. Do any of them see themselves as American patriots at all? Conversely, Roberts personally despises Trump and will deny him a victory of this magnitude. Coney-Barrett, per usual, will tag along with Roberts.

Posted by: Ordinary American at April 05, 2026 08:31 AM (E2lD7)

87 Quarter Twenty don't blame us, the Europeans started it

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2026 08:32 AM (Ia/+0)

88 Picturing Owen Wilson running cross-country with Gene Hackman giving him mapping positions in golf course code. Getting the downed pilot to the LZ.

Posted by: Get out of my fucking shot at April 05, 2026 08:32 AM (jZ3ZM)

89 Reports suggest the CIA was involved in tracking the WSO and leading a "deception" effort to confuse the Iranians looking for him.

Also, MQ-9 "Reaper" drones were used to attack Iranian searchers as they got within 3km of the WSO.

The searchers were blown up. Real good.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 05, 2026 08:32 AM (AkEZC)

90 in this Truth Social, Trump says the 2nd rescued pilot was seriously wounded
also, press conference on the rescue, Monday 1pm

https://x.com/RapidResponse47/
status/2040760599596904455

Posted by: Don Black at April 05, 2026 08:32 AM (ZxPkt)

91 >>By my recollection, by tje time you reach full Colonel your at least higher than squadron Commander.

Which is why I stated in @73 that he's probably a light colonel (O-5)

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2026 08:33 AM (Y1sOo)

92 >>>>My favorite part about the rescue of the pilot is the entire world now knows how far we will go to save the life of one of ours under this leadership. That's the America I love and I don't give a damn what any other country thinks about us.
Posted by: JackStraw at April 05, 2026 08:28 AM (viF8m)
*****
Well said JackStraw. My sentiments exactly. G-d bless and protect our military, PDJT, the USA and Israel. Happy Easter to all.

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at April 05, 2026 08:33 AM (S+2Xo)

93 Oh, and then there's the 37 different flavors of Admiral...

Five. There are five, same as Generals.

1 star - Rear Admiral (lower half), because the perfectly cromulent name Commodore is only used during wartime or something.
2 stars - Rear Admiral.
3 stars - Vice Admiral.
4 stars - Admiral.
5 stars - Fleet Admiral. Also a wartime only rank.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2026 08:34 AM (ExV1e)

94 84 When afloat, you might have a USMC Captain. O-3. The Captain of the ship could be any rank, but is addressed as Captain. Also aboard is a Navy Captain, O-6, addressed as Captain. And then you throw in the Navy First Lieutenant, not a rank but a job description.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 05, 2026 08:35 AM (gm9Sb)

95 The Supreme Court will do something like
These who are here get to stay, those afterwards are out

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2026 08:35 AM (Ia/+0)

96 JackStraw, Indeed. These are the best of times.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at April 05, 2026 08:36 AM (qFwJc)

97 24 {{{Moki }}}

He is risen.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2026 07:48 AM (u82oZ)

{{{NaCly}}}. Hugs and love to you my friend!!! I hope you have a blessed day today! And yes, this is most wonderful news!!

Posted by: moki at April 05, 2026 08:36 AM (wLjpr)

98 A hostage video before the midterms is still likely.

Posted by: Sid at April 05, 2026 08:36 AM (kTAco)

99 It's amazing the percentage of Medal of Honor recipients who receive the award because they defied orders and went back to get people the brass had given up hope on. How amazing it is to have a CiC who has the same attitude of confidence and hope.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 05, 2026 08:37 AM (lFFaq)

100 and we all hope you are the star of it!

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at April 05, 2026 08:37 AM (MIIRH)

101 woohoo! 100th without even trying!

(what did I win?)

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at April 05, 2026 08:38 AM (MIIRH)

102 There was a time during the Great Leap Forward, the PRC did away with ranks in the army.

Yeah. That worked out well.

Posted by: Chun King at April 05, 2026 08:38 AM (jRlwL)

103 To make it more confusing, Lt. Colonels are often informally addressed as simply "colonel" just as Lt. Commanders in the Navy are informally addressed as simply "commander."

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2026 08:39 AM (Y1sOo)

104 >Five. There are five, same as Generals.

1 star - Rear Admiral (lower half), because the perfectly cromulent name Commodore is only used during wartime or something.
2 stars - Rear Admiral.
3 stars - Vice Admiral.
4 stars - Admiral.
5 stars - Fleet Admiral. Also a wartime only rank.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2026 08:34 AM
----
So who's in the upper half?

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2026 08:39 AM (2Ez/1)

105 Have you read Trump's latest unminced-worded post?

https://tinyurl.com/2zxrtpmx

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at April 05, 2026 08:39 AM (Y+4g7)

106 The French revolution tried to redesign ranks, the Communists after the Russian Revolution did as well. Can't do class warfare and look like you are going to copy the classes. They did so shows its a tried system.

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2026 08:41 AM (Ia/+0)

107 But - I did get a FREE 6 Month “Lifelock” Subscription!

America. What a Country!
Posted by: Common Tater

Mine lasted a few years but I'm still an active employee. I don't want to think about what happens when I do foreign travel and my name comes up at the wrong time. And I'm not really a big name.

But yeah; thanks to the feds who thought that nothing could go wrong with letting China have access to this database.

Posted by: NR Pax at April 05, 2026 08:41 AM (+NIRm)

108 Have you read Trump's latest unminced-worded post?

Is that an actual post from him? He's not generally given to vulgarity.

Posted by: Halfhand at April 05, 2026 08:41 AM (H5Io+)

109 thank you, BD!

that is EXACTLY what I voted for!

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at April 05, 2026 08:41 AM (MIIRH)

110 My lib little sis made me a nameplate that says "Supreme Commander" so I've got that going for me.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2026 08:42 AM (RIvkX)

111 Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at April 05, 2026 08:39 AM (Y+4g7)

It made me smile, I cannot imagine any other President recently saying that while they sell us down the river and don't care about Americans left behind.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 05, 2026 08:42 AM (Nx5jP)

112 >>1 star - Rear Admiral (lower half), because the perfectly cromulent name Commodore

was too confusing for midwits who called Commodores 'Commander'.

Posted by: Chickenwoman at April 05, 2026 08:42 AM (NcvvS)

113 A high ranking Navy guy during the “war years” basically got arrested at Los Alamos by the Army gate guard. “Sir, you should see his uniform! Phony as a 3 dollar bill.”

Posted by: Common Tater at April 05, 2026 08:43 AM (dMvru)

114 Have you read Trump's latest unminced-worded post?

heh. From the comments:

Attacking national infrastructure is a war crime!

People like that think when Americans respond in any way other than baring our necks for the knife, it's a war crime. It must suck for him to be this way but his parents probably never taught him better.

Posted by: NR Pax at April 05, 2026 08:43 AM (+NIRm)

115 For years to come the WSO will hear from all sorts of people he meets, "You were that guy? I was praying for you!"

Posted by: Vendette at April 05, 2026 08:43 AM (pJK38)

116 Well, our resident gloom mongers will have a tough time with this...

Well done.

*raises coffeve in salute*

Posted by: man at April 05, 2026 08:44 AM (XuXeR)

117 83 JackStraw. Exactly. Wish I could up vote your comment.
Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 05, 2026 08:30 AM (2NHgQ)

Same!

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at April 05, 2026 08:44 AM (h7ZuX)

118 There were casualties. There were no deaths. There were injuries onboard the rescue helicopters.

Posted by: GWB at April 05, 2026 08:45 AM (uA2IU)

119
*kicks dirt*

Posted by: Resident gloom monger at April 05, 2026 08:45 AM (2Ez/1)

120 was too confusing for midwits who called Commodores 'Commander'."

"She's a brick.... house"

/oh. "The" Commodores.

Posted by: man at April 05, 2026 08:45 AM (XuXeR)

121 81 My favorite part about the rescue of the pilot is the entire world now knows how far we will go to save the life of one of ours under this leadership. That's the America I love and I don't give a damn what any other country thinks about us.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 05, 2026 08:28 AM (viF8m)

This. This is the America I served, my husband served, my dad served. This is worth fighting for, people. Don't let the leftist fools tell you otherwise. They see through a mirror so dark it's a stone wall.

Posted by: moki at April 05, 2026 08:45 AM (wLjpr)

122 113 Naval Officer uniforms look pretty close world wide. In the early 40s, a London Times reporter dressed up in a full Kriegsmarine uniform and walked the busy streets of London for hours. Nobody batted an eye.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 05, 2026 08:45 AM (gm9Sb)

123 I wouldn't be able to upvote Straw's comment because he called him a pilot. The rest of it, though, yeah...

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2026 08:46 AM (Y1sOo)

124 105 Have you read Trump's latest unminced-worded post?

https://tinyurl.com/2zxrtpmx
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at April 05, 2026 08:39 AM (Y+4g7)

I sense a Big Bada Boom coming soon.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2026 08:46 AM (UA2di)

125 > Then, they're considered a democrat.
Posted by: thatcrazyjerseyguy at April 05, 2026 08:09 AM (5xuJ/)

Many times you become a Demoocrat in the place where you die.

I remember a number of years back when an expansion of O'Hare forced a cemetery to be moved.

The big argument was over who was gonna get the votes.

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 05, 2026 08:48 AM (qpyNK)

126 Would PDT say "praise allan"

Posted by: Ben Had at April 05, 2026 08:48 AM (+nEug)

127 This rescue shines light on the disaster in Benghazi by Hillary Clinton/Obama.
Then the old hag blamed it on some video some dude made. And the corrupt media backed her.

Posted by: Get out of my fucking shot at April 05, 2026 08:49 AM (jZ3ZM)

128 Have you read Trump's latest unminced-worded post?

https://tinyurl.com/2zxrtpmx
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at April 05, 2026 08:39 AM (Y+4g7)

He needs to follow through on this. If he gives ground, the leftists will be crowing about him backing down again. Once you say it, do it. I expect he will and to see leftist tears on Tuesday.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 05, 2026 08:49 AM (1Ff7Z)

129 126 Would PDT say "praise allan"

Posted by: Ben Had at April 05, 2026 08:48 AM (+nEug)

That's the tell that it's garbage. He wouldn't.

Posted by: moki at April 05, 2026 08:49 AM (wLjpr)

130 There was pay phone in one of the barracks I lived in base. If it rang it was usually someone looking to get a hold of a troopie not necessarily for official biz.

Anyway I was walking by one day and it rang. I liked to answer it “Supreme Allied Headquarters. How may i help you?”

Long pause. “Who is this!?” the caller demanded. He sounded pissed off. And probably a lot higher in rank than me.

Wheels turn. “Well you don’t know, do ya?” Etc. Much hilarity ensued.

Posted by: Common Tater at April 05, 2026 08:49 AM (dMvru)

131 There's been many instances where the WSO, BN, RIO, whatever is senior to the pilot. Pilot is still aircraft commander.
Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 05, 2026

***
In the Navy, too, the captain of the boat is the captain, no matter his rank. JFK was a Lt. J.G., but he was still the "skipper" of PT-109.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 05, 2026 08:50 AM (wzUl9)

132 moki, big hug dear lady.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 05, 2026 08:50 AM (+nEug)

133 11 From the Daily Mail *pile of salt*, the WSO walked 75 miles away from the crash site in 36 hours. Glad to see air crew fitness standards are high.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2026 07:41 AM (u82oZ)

DailyMail also says he climbed to nearly 7000 feet to avoid capture. They do not say what altitude he began at when he landed. The photos of destroyed aircraft released by the Iranians show what looks to me to be six-bladed helicopter hubs. Disinfo? It doesn't all add up to me, but however it went down, I salute everyone involved in the planning and execution!

Posted by: Gref at April 05, 2026 08:51 AM (5rh/l)

134 132 moki, big hug dear lady.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 05, 2026 08:50 AM (+nEug)

Hugs to you as well! A blessed Easter to you!!!

Posted by: moki at April 05, 2026 08:51 AM (wLjpr)

135 Likewise, what if they are born on Uranus?
Posted by: fd at April 05, 2026 07:54 AM (vFG9F)

That is a crap talking point, man.

Posted by: GWB at April 05, 2026 08:52 AM (xOzlX)

136 It doesn't all add up to me, "

They're reporters. All gunz are Glocks. Or ARs... or sometimes AKs. The newz is a useful source of entertainment, mostly.

Posted by: man at April 05, 2026 08:53 AM (XuXeR)

137 Is that an actual post from him? He's not generally given to vulgarity.
Posted by: Halfhand at April 05, 2026 08:41 AM (H5Io+)

Maybe he's channeling Chesty Puller this morning.

He's probably tired, but high on the success, and does not give a f**k about propriety right now.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at April 05, 2026 08:53 AM (h7ZuX)

138 I realize no one around the world takes deadlines seriously any more because for 50 years or more, weak western leaders like Carter, Clinton, and Obama always backed away and said “never mind” whenever one of their deadlines passed with no one doing anything.

It’s going to take a year or two of Trump doing exactly what he says to make believers out of them.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2026 08:53 AM (UA2di)

139 Historically, "commodore" was a job, not a rank. Being put in charge of a multi-ship operation made you a commodore for the duration of that operation, but your actual rank did not change.

It's been made into a rank a few times over the years, but not at present in USN.

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at April 05, 2026 08:53 AM (qpyNK)

140 yeah, that potty-mouth Truth Social post sounds fake

Posted by: Don Black at April 05, 2026 08:54 AM (ZxPkt)

141 11 From the Daily Mail *pile of salt*, the WSO walked 75 miles away from the crash site in 36 hours. Glad to see air crew fitness standards are high.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2026 07:41 AM (u82oZ)

DailyMail also says he climbed to nearly 7000 feet to avoid capture. They do not say what altitude he began at when he landed. The photos of destroyed aircraft released by the Iranians show what looks to me to be six-bladed helicopter hubs. Disinfo? It doesn't all add up to me, but however it went down, I salute everyone involved in the planning and execution!
Posted by: Gref at April 05, 2026 08:51 AM (5rh/l)

I guess DM is helping keep alive the legend of how Americans act when in a tough spot.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 05, 2026 08:54 AM (lFFaq)

142 The vulgarity is not a problem but the praise part is pure bullshit.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 05, 2026 08:55 AM (+nEug)

143 The photos of destroyed aircraft released by the Iranians show what looks to me to be six-bladed helicopter hubs. Disinfo? It doesn't all add up to me, but however it went down, I salute everyone involved in the planning and execution!
Posted by: Gref at April 05, 2026 08:51 AM (5rh/l)

I believe those photos are of the C-130 remains.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2026 08:55 AM (UA2di)

144 So who's in the upper half?
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2026 08:39 AM (2Ez/1)

1 & 2 star Admirals are both "Rear Admiral". Officially, the 1 star guys are designated "lower half" to differentiate them from the 2 star guys. I guess (speculation) that they use that because the 1 star guys got all pissy about having a title which didn't have the word admiral in it.

Flag officers tend to be whiny little bitches.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2026 08:56 AM (ExV1e)

145 Thank you, Father God
and God bless President Trump.

Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at April 05, 2026 08:56 AM (FMtrg)

146 I wondered if since they were separated the officer missing had to travel far and fast

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2026 08:56 AM (Ia/+0)

147 Great News

fyi avoid comments at 'twz = the war zone'.
It's a shame they have some good articles.
During 4 years of Biden presidency the TDS never let up. Usually has nothing to do with whatever is posted.

Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at April 05, 2026 08:57 AM (KaHlS)

148 Grab your reading glasses and head upstairs
BOOK THREAD IS NOOD

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2026 08:57 AM (Ia/+0)

149 CNN is reporting that tweet from PDT

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2026 08:58 AM (RIvkX)

150 If someone is born on the Moon, do they automatically become a citizen of the Moon? Likewise, what if they are born on Uranus?
Posted by: fd at April 05, 2026

***
If we had a Luna City (as we should have had since 1980), I doubt they would have hordes of illegals clamoring to get in up there. If someone is born on the Moon, his parents wanted to be there and would no doubt be citizens.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 05, 2026 08:58 AM (wzUl9)

151 I spent years traveling around the world on business and nowhere was I condescended to and looked down on more than Europe just for being an American. The majority opinion I got was Americans were loud, obnoxious and uncouth unlike our fellow North American neighbors in Canada.

Something much bigger is happening right now than just taking down the terrorist regime in Iran. The reactions of our so called allies and laid bare something that has been hinted at for years. We are on our own. Nobody is going to come to our aid unless absolutely forced by their own self-interest.

The opposite is also true. Something has to change with our various alliances including NATO. Perhaps particularly NATO. This is exactly what I voted for.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 05, 2026 08:59 AM (viF8m)

152 "Phony as a 3 dollar bill.”

Was he wearing Dress Whites?

Yeah. The guy probably sells Ice Cream out of a truck.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at April 05, 2026 09:00 AM (qFwJc)

153 105 Have you read Trump's latest unminced-worded post?

https://tinyurl.com/2zxrtpmx

Donald J. Trump
@realDonald Trump
Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin' Strait, you crazy
bastards, or you'll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH!
Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP

Posted by: m at April 05, 2026 09:00 AM (fNISR)

154 Would PDT say "praise allan"

Posted by: Ben Had at April 05, 2026 08:48 AM (+nEug)

That's the tell that it's garbage. He wouldn't.
Posted by: moki at April 05, 2026 08:49 AM (wLjpr)

Apparently he did, though.

Here's the direct link to the post.

https://tinyurl.com/3k4626fc

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2026 09:00 AM (ExV1e)

155 I spent years traveling around the world on business and nowhere was I condescended to and looked down on more than Europe just for being an American."

This. Asia? Fine - even welcoming. Urrup? PITA. They can go stew for all I care.

Posted by: man at April 05, 2026 09:01 AM (XuXeR)

156 If you're born on the moon, you're a lunatic

Posted by: Don Black at April 05, 2026 09:03 AM (ZxPkt)

157 CNN is reporting that tweet from PDT
Posted by: San Franpsycho

Newsmax, too.

Posted by: old chick at April 05, 2026 09:03 AM (F3Dlr)

158 Personally, I wish he wouldn't post shit like that. Just do it. Talk about it after BDA.

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2026 09:04 AM (Y1sOo)

159 According to some reports, 2 C-130's went into Iran with troops and carrying 2, possibly 4 AH-6 "Little Bird" helicopters used by the 160th SOAR. All those aircraft were sacrificed / destroyed when the two 130's became stuck in sand.

3 Additional C-130's were dispatched to evacuate all involved, including the WSO.

But... an "austere" airbase was setup inside Iran for this entire effort. And we pulled it off.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 05, 2026 09:04 AM (AkEZC)

160 Something much bigger is happening right now than just taking down the terrorist regime in Iran. The reactions of our so called allies and laid bare something that has been hinted at for years. We are on our own. Nobody is going to come to our aid unless absolutely forced by their own self-interest.“

We offfered them a chance to be a part of a great victory at little or no cost the themselves - they turned us down. Instead they sucked up to the losers and pissed off the winners. Idiots. I don’t see NATO surviving this.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2026 09:05 AM (UA2di)

161 >>We offfered them a chance to be a part of a great victory at little or no cost the themselves - they turned us down. Instead they sucked up to the losers and pissed off the winners. Idiots. I don’t see NATO surviving this.

I don't either. Certainly not in its current form. The days of our allies getting a free ride from the US are over.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 05, 2026 09:11 AM (viF8m)

162 allan who?

Posted by: I gotta ask at April 05, 2026 09:11 AM (2Ez/1)

163 allan who?
Posted by: I gotta ask

He's like Todd.
When it all goes to Hell, thank him, cause he's the one to blame.

Posted by: old chick at April 05, 2026 09:20 AM (F3Dlr)

164 I think the "praise allah" bit is just a twist of the knife.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at April 05, 2026 09:21 AM (h7ZuX)

165 51. But - I did get a FREE 6 Month “Lifelock” Subscription!

America. What a Country!
Posted by: Common Tater

Two years if fingerprints, physical fitness exams, etc. were 'lost.'

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at April 05, 2026 09:25 AM (NFX2v)

166 We travel to the Netherlands on Wednesday and I have to say I'm a bit nervous. We're on a river cruise with excursions along the way. We'll be soft targets and unlike our vacation years ago, that included a stop in Egypt during the Arab Spring, we won't have an armed escort. I already experienced a missile out of gaza that traveled over our hotel in 2023, hoping my good luck continues. I do expect to be treated even worse as a crass American than previously, due to our stance on gaza and the action in iran.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 05, 2026 09:31 AM (2NHgQ)

167 Does Jesus believe the life of some people is more important than others?

Posted by: Paul at April 05, 2026 09:33 AM (69npe)

168 164 I think the "praise allah" bit is just a twist of the knife.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at April 05, 2026 09:21 AM (h7ZuX)

I agree

Posted by: It's me donna at April 05, 2026 09:40 AM (mAxUt)

169 So "allan" is a typo?

Posted by: I gotta ask at April 05, 2026 09:44 AM (2Ez/1)

170 So "allan" is a typo?
Posted by: I gotta ask

I think it is used in a mocking/insulting manner.
Much like when referring to satan some use stan.

I think Trump is mocking the Iranians/allah by telling them all credit/blame for their peril goes to him.

Posted by: old chick at April 05, 2026 09:54 AM (F3Dlr)

171 Great news!

Happy Easter.

He is Risen!

Alleluia!

Posted by: Mick at April 05, 2026 09:58 AM (HFx9z)

172 The UK media is very sad about this and are hoping for the US to fail. Time to end NATO and move everything out of Western Europe, men, machinery, money. Blow up the buildings as we go

Posted by: night lifted at April 05, 2026 09:58 AM (kJmLc)

173 The opposite is also true. Something has to change with our various alliances including NATO. Perhaps particularly NATO. This is exactly what I voted for.
Posted by: JackStraw at April 05, 2026 08:59 AM (viF8m)

Exactly. Time to pull out.

Posted by: night lifted at April 05, 2026 10:00 AM (kJmLc)

174 The media must be FURIOUS right now. They really needed a propaganda win, and they were hoping against hope for video of a gruesomely tortured American hostage who could be used as a bargaining chip, and a cudgel to be used on Trump.

No such luck.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at April 05, 2026 10:08 AM (BI5O2)

175 >>No such luck.

We're not done with deep strike missions according to Trump, so they have hope that it could still happen.

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2026 10:27 AM (Y1sOo)

176 This would also be a good time to remember all the PJs, aircrew (someone has to get them there) who have died in training as well as real world operations to make such happen.

Posted by: epador at April 05, 2026 10:35 AM (TRnzq)

177 realDonald Trump
Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one,

Boom Boom out go the lights

Posted by: Pat Travers at April 05, 2026 10:44 AM (FhXTo)

178 realDonald Trump
Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one,

Also going to be a lot of sick leave taken by the staff.

Nobody left but a turban praying over a turbine.

Posted by: DaveA at April 05, 2026 10:46 AM (FhXTo)

179 If you'd like to geek out on all the Internet sleuthing figuring out where all this went down in Iran, check out C Schmitz on X.

https://tinyurl.com/cxs7d9wt

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 05, 2026 11:07 AM (AkEZC)

180 173 The opposite is also true. Something has to change with our various alliances including NATO. Perhaps particularly NATO. This is exactly what I voted for.
Posted by: JackStraw at April 05, 2026 08:59 AM (viF8m)

Exactly. Time to pull out.
Posted by: night lifted at April 05, 2026 10:00 AM (kJmLc)

Y'all love power projection, but hate power projection.

Posted by: Cow Demon at April 05, 2026 03:18 PM (hJH5n)

181 Funny how Paul talks of Jesus when to him, God is the State and whoever is running that State is Christ.

Posted by: Cow Demon at April 05, 2026 03:19 PM (hJH5n)

182 Does your blog have a contact page? I'm having a tough time locating it but, I'd like to send you an email.

I've got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it
develop over time.

Posted by: fun88 at April 06, 2026 01:41 AM (AXpGZ)

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