Former Air Force pilot describes challenges in fighter jet rescue mission

A former Air Force pilot said there was a sense of relief after one crew member was rescued from a downed U.S. jet, but the search for the remaining crew member remained complex.

Mark Hasara, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force and a KC-135 pilot who previously served as chief operating officer for refueling operations in the Middle East from 2002 to 2003, said the military operated under a clear commitment when a service member went down.

“We will not leave anyone behind,” Hasara said. “That is kind of the contract that we have across the military. It doesn't matter what service you are from, we are going to come get you and bring you home.”

Hasara said once a crew was down, all available forces shifted focus to a single mission.

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