The F-15 crash and subsequent search and rescue missions after two airmen ejected themselves from the aircraft as they took Iranian fire present questions for an administration that has touted the success of the war so far.

The two men were separated after ejecting from the aircraft in southwestern Iran — the pilot was tracked and picked up about six hours after the crash, according to the New York Times. The missing weapons systems officer knew both the U.S. and Iranian militaries were trying to locate him as quickly as they could, and his well-being — and potentially his life — hung in the balance.