DOVER, DELAWARE (TNND) — President Donald Trump honored six U.S. service members on Wednesday during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, following their recent deaths in a military aircraft crash in Iraq.
The service members, all crew of a KC-135 Air Force refueling aircraft, were killed last week while supporting operations against Iran. The crash occurred over friendly territory in western Iraq, according to military officials.
The following personnel were identified as the victims:
– Maj. John “Alex” Klinner, 33, Auburn, Alabama
– Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, Covington, Washington
– Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, Bardstown, Kentucky
– Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, Mooresville, Indiana
– Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, Wilmington, Ohio
– Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, Columbus, Ohio
Family members attended the ceremony, witnessing the precision with which each transfer case was moved from the aircraft, as no speeches were made during the solemn event.
According to the White House, the transfer is regarded as a significant moment of respect and tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives for service. This ceremony marked the second recent dignified transfer attended by President Trump since the escalation of military operations in the region.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with Military officials committed to uncovering further details as they become available.