Pentagon names six U.S. airmen killed in refueling tanker crash over Iraq

NewsDesk MC March 15, 2026March 15, 2026 #AirForce, #AirRefueling, #AviationAccident, #DefenseNews, #GlobalSecurity, #IraqCrash, #KC135, #MilitaryAviation, #MilitaryInvestigation, #Pentagon, #PentagonStatement, #ReutersStyleNews, #USAirmen, #USForces, #USIranConflict, #USMilitary, #WarOperations

Washington_ The United States Department of Defense on Saturday identified six U.S. service members who were killed when a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crashed over Iraq while supporting U.S. military operations targeting Iran.

The aircraft was conducting aerial refueling missions tied to the ongoing U.S. strikes on Iran when the crash occurred. The U.S. military said the incident involved another aircraft but was not caused by hostile action or friendly fire. Officials said the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.

Three of the airmen were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base. The Defense Department identified them as 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 remaining three airmen served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. They were identified as 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.

U.S. officials have not released further details about the sequence of events leading to the crash as the investigation continues.

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