Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Drone Boat Rescues Apache Crew Near Hormuz, Trump Confirms

6/9/2026

50 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

An unmanned 24-foot Corsair drone boat of Task Force 59 rescued the two crew members of a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache that crashed near the Strait of Hormuz on June 8, 2026 after about two hours.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the pilots were unharmed and announced a report would be issued Tuesday.
U.S. Central Command said the crash cause is under investigation, with possible Iranian fire, mechanical failure or other issues.

History

Historical Context

In October 1973, during the Yom Kippur War, the U.S. destroyer USS John Paul Jones—named for Revolutionary-War hero John Paul Jones—sent two SH-2 Sea Sprite helicopters that saved two Israeli pilots in 45 minutes. On 8 June 2026, Task Force 59 used a 24-foot autonomous Corsair drone boat to retrieve two crew from a crashed AH-64 Apache near the Strait of Hormuz, showing the move from manned helicopter rescues to unmanned surface recovery.

1 of 2

Story summary

An unmanned 24-foot Corsair drone boat of Task Force 59 rescued the two crew members of a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache that crashed near the Strait of Hormuz on June 8, 2026 after about two hours.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the pilots were unharmed and announced a report would be issued Tuesday.
U.S. Central Command said the crash cause is under investigation, with possible Iranian fire, mechanical failure or other issues.

1 / 2