Iran attacks US bases – soldiers report missiles and drones

Attacks on US bases

“When the rockets came, everyone ran to the shelters”

During Iranian attacks on US bases, soldiers were trapped in bunkers, while others continued to work despite missile alarms. Now the head of the US Air Force describes what they experienced.

US Air Force Chief Ken Wilsbach spoke at a conference close Washington reported on soldiers he met on a trip to the Middle East. They described to him how they had experienced the first Iranian missile and drone attacks after the start of the US military operation “Epic Fury” on February 28th.

“When the rockets were approaching, the soldiers ran to the shelters,” said Wilsbach. Shortly afterwards, according to Wilsbach, a rocket hit near a hangar and an aircraft parked there caught fire.

The blast wave is said to have damaged the bunker door so badly that the soldiers were trapped inside. As the fire spread, a member of the security forces tried to open the door from outside with a crowbar. Then the burning plane’s ejection seat deployed, sending debris flying through the air. Finally they managed to open the door and bring those trapped inside to safety.

Operations also continued at other bases during Iranian attacks. Wilsbach reported a technician named Garrett who was preparing four F-15E fighter jets for deployment on the second day of the operation when missile alarms went off.

While other soldiers sought shelter, Garrett sent a younger colleague into the bunker, but stayed with the machines himself. Only when the last fighter jet was on its way to the runway did he get to safety. According to Wilsbach’s account, the soldier later justified his decision by saying that the aircraft were needed to defend his comrades.

Meanwhile, at another base, two young soldiers had to fend off a swarm of Iranian drones. The Air Force chief reported that 27-year-old Shanae and 21-year-old Nolan tracked the incoming missiles and shot down more than ten of them in one night. “There were moments when they were afraid,” Wilsbach said. “But courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is overcoming it.”

For other soldiers, an attack ended without injuries, but with the loss of their belongings: an Air Force member named Peter was responsible for air transport and with his team moved heavy ammunition and equipment for Patriot anti-aircraft systems. After a long shift, he found his accommodation destroyed. Almost everything he got from the USA had brought with him was lost in the attack. Peter simply said that his possessions could be replaced, but “the mission could not,” Wilsbach reported.