The Pentagon has identified six U.S. Air Force airmen who died in a KC-135 refueling tanker crash in western Iraq during a combat mission supporting Operation Epic Fury. The crash occurred Thursday after a midair collision involving another aircraft in friendly airspace. Military officials confirmed the incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire and is under investigation.
Details of the Incident and Victims
The KC-135 tanker crashed while the other involved aircraft landed safely. The six airmen were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.
Those killed are Maj. John “Alex” Klinner, 33; Capt. Ariana Savino, 31; Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34; Capt. Seth Koval, 38; Capt. Curtis Angst, 30; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28. Klinner, from Birmingham, Alabama, leaves behind three young children and was noted by family for his dedication as a father and kindness.
Airmen’s Service Backgrounds
Maj. Klinner was an eight-year Air Force veteran and Auburn University graduate. Capt. Savino and Tech. Sgt. Pruitt served with the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill AFB. Capt. Koval, an instructor pilot with 19 years of service, was based with the 121st Air Refueling Wing in Ohio. He logged over 2,000 flight hours, including 443 combat hours. Capt. Angst, also from the 121st Wing, along with Tech. Sgt. Simmons, were part of the crew on the ill-fated mission.
The investigation into the cause of the midair collision and subsequent crash continues as military officials work to determine all factors involved. This incident raises the confirmed U.S. troop fatalities linked to the Iran conflict to 13.
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