Six U.S. Service Members Killed in KC-135 Aircraft Crash in Iraq
Western Iraq, March 14, 2026 – Six U.S. service members died in a KC-135 aircraft crash Thursday, following an incident with another plane, U.S. Central Command confirmed.
The victims include 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. Three service members were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, while the others were part of the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio.
The Central Command clarified that the incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. The crash occurred during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, marking a new chapter as U.S. involvement in the region continues.
This tragic event raises the total of American service members killed in the conflict with Iran to at least 13, as hostilities escalate into their third week.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the crash, and further details will be forthcoming.