Iranian state media have published images of documents that likely belong to a member of a Special Operations Forces (SOF) search team that was tasked with locating and evacuating the weapons systems officer (WSO) from a downed F-15E fighter jet.
According to Militarnyi, which analyzed photos released by the Iranian outlet Tehran Times, the documents appear to include a U.S. Department of Defense common access card and a short-term entry permit issued by Israeli border authorities.
The documents belong to Amanda M. Ryder, a major in the U.S. Air Force. They were allegedly found at the site of one of the HC-130J Combat King II aircraft that was destroyed by U.S. forces themselves during the evacuation. This aircraft is designed to coordinate and refuel search-and-rescue teams.
However, Major Ryder could not have been the rescued crew member of the downed F-15, since earlier reports indicate that the rescued weapons systems officer holds the rank of colonel and is male.
It is known that pilot rescue missions are typically performed by the 24th Special Tactics Squadron of the U.S. Air Force, which operates HC-130J aircraft and AH-6 Little Bird helicopters.
This U.S. Air Force Special Operations unit is directly subordinate to the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
However, it is not currently known whether the major belonged to this unit; additional supporting forces may have been involved in the operation.
After analyzing open sources, Militarnyi discovered that Amanda M. Ryder, a cadet in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, received her initial commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force in May 2014.
By early 2016, she was serving in the same rank as a crew member of the 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron.
The 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron provides safe and reliable maintenance of ground and onboard equipment for F-15E/SG aircraft. The unit ensures the combat readiness of personnel and equipment to support pilot training and also provides support in real-world operations worldwide.
No more recent information about Amanda M. Ryder’s career development or possible change of duty station could be found in open sources.
