Overview
- The Defense Department identified 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 were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, while Koval, Angst, and Simmons served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.
- CENTCOM says the KC-135 went down on March 12 in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury after an incident involving a second aircraft, which landed safely.
- Officials state the loss was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire, and a formal investigation into the cause is underway.
- The six deaths raise the U.S. military toll linked to the Iran campaign to at least 13, reflecting the strain on refueling and support operations.