The Pentagon has identified the six U.S. Air Force service members killed in the crash of a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft in western Iraq on March 12, 2026, while supporting Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led military campaign against Iran that began on February 28, 2026.
The deceased airmen are:
- Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama. A graduate of Auburn University, he leaves behind three small children: 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son. He was assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
- Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington. She was also assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base.
- Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky. She served with the 6th Air Refueling Wing and was deployed as part of the mission.
- Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana (also associated with Columbus, Ohio, through service). An aircraft commander with 19 years of service, he was assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.
- Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio. A KC-135R pilot with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron, Ohio National Guard, and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati. He was assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing.
- Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio. He served as a boom operator with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron at the 121st Air Refueling Wing, responsible for transferring fuel during missions.
The crash occurred in friendly airspace during an unspecified incident involving another aircraft, which landed safely. Military officials have stated that the loss was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire, and the incident remains under investigation.
The six fatalities bring the U.S. death toll in Operation Epic Fury to at least 13 service members, with the other seven killed in combat. The operation, directed by President Donald Trump, involves U.S. and partner forces striking targets to dismantle Iran’s security apparatus, including command facilities, air defenses, missile sites, and other military infrastructure.
In related developments, President Trump posted on Truth Social urging other nations to deploy warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. He stated that those countries benefiting from the passage must help protect it, with the U.S. prepared to assist significantly, though it remains unclear if other nations will respond by sending ships.
The conflict, now in its third week, continues to draw international attention amid ongoing military actions in the region.
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