Six U.S. airmen identified after Iraq KC-135 crash
Six U.S. airmen identified after Iraq KC-135 crash
Six U.S. airmen are dead after a KC-135 refueling tanker crashed over western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury; investigation underway as families mourn.
The U.S. Department of Defense identified six U.S. airmen killed when a KC-135 aerial refueling tanker crashed over western Iraq on March 14, 2026. The airmen were supporting U.S. attacks on Iran. The crash involved another aircraft but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire and remains under investigation.
Three airmen were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, stationed at MacDill Air Force Base near Tampa, Florida. They are Major John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky. The other three airmen were with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio: Captain Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Captain Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio.
The crash occurred while the aircraft were conducting refueling operations in support of ongoing military actions in the region. Rescue and recovery efforts were underway, and investigators are reviewing the circumstances to determine what caused the incident. The families of the fallen airmen have been notified and are receiving support as the military conducts its investigation.
This tragedy underscores the dangers military personnel face during high-stakes missions and the ongoing human cost of operational readiness.
