Six U.S. Air Force Members Identified After KC-135 Crash in Iraq
TAMPA, FL—The Pentagon confirmed the identities of six U.S. Air Force members who died in a KC-135 refueling tanker crash in Iraq on Thursday.
The deceased are 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.
According to U.S. officials, the crash occurred during a combat mission over “friendly” territory. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine stated that the incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
The crew members assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base and the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base were involved in a mission supporting Operation Epic Fury.
Following the crash, a secondary aircraft in the operation landed safely. The incident is currently under investigation by U.S. Central Command.
This marks the fourth U.S. plane loss reported since the conflict with Iran began. Earlier this month, Kuwait mistakenly downed three F-15E Strike Eagle jets, with all crew members safely ejected and recovered.
Emergency response efforts remain ongoing as the military assesses the situation.