WASHINGTON (TNND) — Six U.S. service members were killed on March 12 when a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed during combat operations in Iraq.
The following personnel, assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, were identified in the crash:
- Maj. John “Alex” Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama
- Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington
- Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky
The following members were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing from Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio:
- Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana
- Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio
- Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Alex, Ariana, and Ashley,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Ed Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander. “To lose a member of the Air Force family is excruciatingly painful. Our hearts and minds are with the family, friends, and loved ones of our fallen Airmen.”
The incident remains under investigation, and no further details have been released.