Six U.S. Air Force airmen died Thursday when a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft crashed in western Iraq, the Pentagon confirmed Saturday. Officials said the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire and remains under investigation.
The airmen have been identified as Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio.
Klinner, Savino, and Pruitt were part of the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, serving with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron based in Birmingham, Alabama. Koval, Angst, and Simmons were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.
The airmen were aboard the KC-135 Stratotanker, an aircraft designed to refuel other planes midair to extend operational range. A second aircraft involved in the mission landed safely, according to the Air Force.
Governors and officials from Alabama, Washington, and Ohio expressed condolences. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey described Klinner, Savino, and Pruitt as “not only outstanding Airmen, they were our neighbors – our fellow Alabamians.” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine praised Koval, Angst, and Simmons for their courage and dedication in defending the nation.
Maj. Klinner, who recently deployed to support Operation Epic Fury, was a squadron operations chief overseeing training for more than 30 aircrew members. Capt. Savino, a newly qualified KC-135 pilot, led daily flight operations and was recognized as a mentor and leader. Tech. Sgt. Pruitt was an instructor boom operator responsible for training others in midair refueling operations, while Tech. Sgt. Simmons, remembered for his “million-dollar smile,” was a boom operator passionate about aviation. Capt. Koval and Capt. Angst were experienced pilots with multiple deployments.
The incident marks the 13th U.S. military death linked to the ongoing war with Iran. The Air Force and Pentagon pledged support to the families, honoring the service and sacrifice of the fallen airmen.
“This is an excruciating loss for our Air Force family,” said Col. Ed Szczepanik, commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing. “We will ensure their service to our nation is never forgotten.”
The Air Force continues to investigate the crash and provide updates as information becomes available.#newsafro_
