BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Edwards Air Force Base confirmed the identities of eight individuals who perished in a B-52 Stratofortress crash shortly after takeoff on Monday.
The names were released after a 24-hour waiting period for next of kin notifications, per Department of War policy. Colonel Thomas Tauer, 412th Test Wing Commander, expressed deep condolences, stating, “They were dedicated professionals, beloved family members, and irreplaceable teammates.”
The deceased are:
- Colonel Gregory Watson, 53, Shreveport, Louisiana (Air Force Reservist, Boeing)
- Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Estrella, 40, Edwards AFB, California (Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center)
- Retired Lieutenant Colonel Miles Middleton, 50, Tehachapi, California (Boeing)
- Major Alexander Davis, 34, Lancaster, California (419th Flight Test Squadron)
- Major Robert Dee, 40, Edwards AFB, California (419th Flight Test Squadron)
- Major Brad Hovey, 35, Edwards AFB, California (419th Flight Test Squadron)
- Jeromy Smith, 32, Rosamond, California (Flight Test Engineer, 419th Flight Test Squadron)
- Christopher Rischar, 41, Lancaster, California (Flight Test Engineer, JT4 contractor)
An Interim Safety Investigation Board is examining the crash, and the airfield remains closed. Authorities have not reported any additional injuries or details regarding the cause of the incident.