BAGHDAD – The Pentagon has released the names of the six U.S. Air Force service members who died when a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The crash occurred during operations against Iran, marking a significant loss for the U.S. Military as the conflict continues. The incident is currently under investigation, with officials stating the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire NBC News.
The fallen airmen have been identified as Maj. John A. 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; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio. The loss brings the total number of U.S. Troops killed in connection with the war with Iran to 13 CNN. This tragedy underscores the risks faced by military personnel deployed in the region.
Details on the Fallen Airmen
Maj. Klinner, Savino, and Pruitt were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, but routinely operated out of Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama, where their squadron is based. Klinner served as the chief of Squadron Standardizations and Evaluations at the 99th Air Refueling Squadron. He entered the Air Force in 2017 through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Auburn University and had previously deployed in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2026 Military Times. Savino was the chief of Current Operations Pilot at the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, earning her commission in 2017 through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Central Washington University and deploying in 2020, and 2026.
Capt. Koval, Capt. Angst, and Tech. Sgt. Simmons were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. Details regarding their specific roles within the wing were not immediately available. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed his condolences, stating the loss was a “devastating blow” to the state’s National Guard community CNN.
Investigation Underway
U.S. Central Command confirmed the crash occurred at approximately 2 p.m. ET on Thursday. While the investigation is ongoing, officials have stated that the incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire NBC News. Two aircraft were involved, with one successfully landing safely. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear as authorities gather evidence and analyze data.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the crew as “American heroes,” acknowledging the inherent dangers of military operations. “War is hell. War is chaos. And as we saw yesterday with the tragic crash of our KC-135 tanker, bad things can happen,” he said during a Pentagon news briefing NBC News.
Impact and Future Operations
The loss of the KC-135 and its crew raises questions about the ongoing air refueling capabilities in the region and potential impacts on the broader military campaign against Iran. The KC-135 Stratotanker is a critical asset for extending the range of fighter jets and other aircraft, enabling sustained operations in the Middle East. The Air Force has not yet announced any immediate changes to its operational posture, but a thorough review of safety protocols and maintenance procedures is expected.
As the investigation progresses, further details regarding the cause of the crash and the circumstances leading up to it are anticipated. The Pentagon has pledged to provide updates as they become available. The families of the fallen airmen are receiving support and assistance during this difficult time.
The loss of these six service members serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those serving in the military. We encourage readers to share their condolences and support for the families of the fallen.
