WASHINGTON — In the opening days of a future war against China, an F-35 pilot on a mission is tracked and shot down by air defenses. He safely ejects — but is trapped deep inside enemy territory.

Hohenfels, Germany, Mar. 31, 2004: Staff Sgt. Ron Ellis fast-ropes in from an MH-60 helicopter during a Combat Search and Rescue exercise. Members from the 56th Rescue Squadron out of Keflavik Naval ...