DOVER, DELAWARE (TNND) — President Donald Trump honored the remains of six U.S. service members during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base on March 18.
The six crew members of a KC-135 refueling aircraft were killed in a crash in western Iraq while supporting operations against Iran last week. According to the U.S. Air Force, the incident occurred on March 11.
The following service members were identified:
- 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
- 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
Draped in American flags, the transfer cases were carefully carried from a military aircraft by a specialized team. Witnesses reported that family members attended the ceremony, standing nearby as their loved ones were honored in silence.
This event marked Trump's second dignified transfer related to military actions in the region since February 28, when he attended a similar ceremony for six soldiers killed in a drone strike in Kuwait.
Authorities stated that the dignified transfer ceremonies emphasize sacrifice and service, devoid of political rhetoric.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.