The U.S. military used hundreds of people and 176 aircraft to rescue the crew of an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from Iran. The "air armada" included bombers, fighters, refueling tankers, helicopters, and unmanned systems. The rescue operation required 155 aircraft. The mission was part of an effort to confuse and divert Iranian forces. The F15 was the first manned American aircraft downed by the enemy during Operation Epic Fury.