A U.S. AH-64 Apache helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz (off Oman) during a patrol.
The two crew members survived and were stranded in the water.
A U.S. Navy unmanned surface vessel (drone boat)—specifically a Corsair autonomous boat—was deployed to rescue them.
The drone located the pilots, picked them up, and transported them to a safe point for helicopter extraction.
The rescue happened within about two hours, and both pilots were reported to be in stable condition.

🤖 Why It’s Significant
This was the first known real-world rescue mission using a drone boat.
It demonstrates the growing role of AI and autonomous systems in military operations, especially rescue and evacuation.
It shows how unmanned systems can reduce risk to human rescuers and respond quickly in dangerous environments.

🏛️ Senator Cruz’s Role
Senator Ted Cruz publicly commented on the event, praising:

The “extraordinary heroism” of the service members
The advanced technology used (drone boats built by a Texas-based company) 
His remarks highlight:

Support for U.S. innovation in autonomous defense technology
The importance of maintaining technological leadership

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<ul>
<li>A U.S. AH-64 Apache helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz (off Oman) during a patrol.<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/world/articles/ah-64-apache-crew-rescued-132937640.html"></a></li>
<li>The two crew members survived and were stranded in the water.</li>
<li>A U.S. Navy unmanned surface vessel (drone boat)&mdash;specifically a Corsair autonomous boat&mdash;was deployed to rescue them.<a href="https://www.twz.com/sea/this-is-the-corsair-drone-boat-that-plucked-the-downed-apache-crew-out-of-the-gulf-of-oman"></a></li>
<li>The drone located the pilots, picked them up, and transported them to a safe point for helicopter extraction.<a href="https://ingest.abcnews.com/Politics/unmanned-drone-boat-rescues-2-us-crew-members/story?id=133713326"></a></li>
<li>The rescue happened within about two hours, and both pilots were reported to be in stable condition.<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/world/articles/ah-64-apache-crew-rescued-132937640.html"></a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
🤖 Why It&rsquo;s Significant
<ul>
<li>This was the first known real-world rescue mission using a drone boat.<a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/06/us-military-claims-first-drone-boat-rescue-of-downed-helicopter-crew/"></a></li>
<li>It demonstrates the growing role of AI and autonomous systems in military operations, especially rescue and evacuation.<a href="https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/ai-powered-drone-boat-inside-historic-us-navy-mission-to-rescue-downed-apache-helicopter-pilots-near-hormuz-article-154539186"></a></li>
<li>It shows how unmanned systems can reduce risk to human rescuers and respond quickly in dangerous environments.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🏛️ Senator Cruz&rsquo;s Role
<ul>
<li>Senator Ted Cruz publicly commented on the event, praising:
<ul>
<li>The &ldquo;extraordinary heroism&rdquo; of the service members</li>
<li>The advanced technology used (drone boats built by a Texas-based company) <a href="https://www.newsbreak.com/combat-rated-361333999/4701451219354-ted-cruz-calls-u-s-apache-pilots-rescue-extraordinary-heroism-praises-first-of-its-kind-unmanned-vessel-mission-in-the-strait-of-hormuz"></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>His remarks highlight:
<ul>
<li>Support for U.S. innovation in autonomous defense technology</li>
<li>The importance of maintaining technological leadership</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
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Hosted by popular national radio host, podcaster and political commentator Ben Ferguson, The 47 Morning Update spotlights the latest news and political headlines, with a special focus on the President's administration, policies, and agenda.

Join Ben for unfiltered insights, exclusive interviews, and honest commentary you won’t get from the mainstream media. Ben takes you behind the scenes, covering the issues shaping America today - straight from the President’s Oval Office.

Don’t miss a single episode. New updates drop daily, Monday through Saturday. Subscribe now on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you listen to podcasts—be informed, stay ahead, and join Ben on The 47 Morning Update!

Hosted by popular national radio host, podcaster and political commentator Ben Ferguson,&nbsp;The 47 Morning Update spotlights the latest news and political headlines, with a special focus on the President's administration, policies, and agenda.
Join Ben for unfiltered insights, exclusive interviews, and honest commentary you won&rsquo;t get from the mainstream media. Ben takes you behind the scenes, covering the issues shaping America today - straight from the President&rsquo;s Oval Office.
Don&rsquo;t miss a single episode. New updates drop daily, Monday through Saturday. Subscribe now on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you listen to podcasts&mdash;be informed, stay ahead, and join Ben on The 47 Morning Update!

The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Senator Cruz HAILS HEROISM in First Ever Drone Boat Rescue at Sea

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/dab2c289-0c21-4d66-b93b-b45600681a07/transcript