Overview
- The Defense Department named the fallen as Maj. John A. Klinner, Capt. Ariana G. Savino, Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons.
- Klinner, Savino and Pruitt served with the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill AFB, while Koval, Angst and Simmons were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker ANGB in Ohio.
- CENTCOM says the March 12 crash in western Iraq followed an interaction with another aircraft that landed safely, and confirms there was no hostile or friendly fire.
- The incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. ET during operations supporting the U.S. campaign against Iran, and a formal Pentagon investigation is underway.
- The six deaths raise the U.S. toll tied to Operation Epic Fury to 13 as commanders highlight the risks to tanker crews sustaining combat air operations.