BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Eight people were killed in a B-52 Stratofortress crash shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday.
The aircraft went down during a routine test mission, prompting a response from emergency crews. According to the U.S. Air Force, the names of the deceased were released after all next of kin notifications were completed, in accordance with Department of War policy.
The victims have been identified as:
- Colonel Gregory Watson, 53, Weapon Systems Officer, Boeing (Air Force reservist).
- Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Estrella, 40, Weapon Systems Officer, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Edwards AFB.
- Retired Lieutenant Colonel Miles Middleton, 50, Pilot, Boeing.
- Major Alexander Davis, 34, Weapon Systems Officer, 419th Flight Test Squadron.
- Major Robert Dee, 40, Pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron.
- Major Brad Hovey, 35, Pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron.
- Jeromy Smith, 32, Flight Test Engineer, 419th Flight Test Squadron.
- Christopher Rischar, 41, Flight Test Engineer, JT4 contractor.
Colonel Thomas Tauer, 412th Test Wing Commander, expressed deep sorrow, stating, “These Airmen were more than coworkers. They were friends, mentors, and valued members of our Air Force family.”
The crash is under investigation by the Interim Safety Investigation Board. The airfield remains closed until further notice.