Pentagon Confirms Six Airmen Killed in Aircraft Crash

Daniel Hanson

Summary

Six U.S. service members died in a KC-135 crash during operations against Iran.

Why this matters

This incident highlights the risks faced by military personnel during operations, affecting U.S. military strategy and family support systems.

The Pentagon identified six U.S. service members who died on March 12 when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed during operations against Iran. The airmen were part of the 6th Air Refueling Wing from MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, and the 121st Air Refueling Wing from Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio.

Maj. John “Alex” Klinner, 33, Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, were among the deceased from the MacDill base. Klinner, serving as the chief of Squadron Standardizations and Evaluations, joined the Air Force in 2017. Savino, the chief of Current Operations Pilot, also joined in 2017. Pruitt was a KC-135 instructor boom operator. All had multiple deployments and earned various commendations, including the Air Medal.

Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, from the Ohio unit, were also killed. Koval, a KC-135R Stratotanker instructor, enlisted in 2006 and earned his commission in 2018. Angst trained as a vehicle maintenance technician before becoming a KC-135R pilot. Simmons joined in 2017, becoming a refueling specialist in 2022. Similarly, they held numerous medals.

Col. Ed Szczepanik and Maj. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff offered condolences, highlighting the sacrifices made by the airmen and expressing ongoing support for their families.

The crash is under investigation. This incident marks the fourth U.S. aircraft loss in March tied to combat operations in Operation Epic Fury, during which 13 U.S. service members have been killed. Gen. Dan Caine commented on the dedication of service members and their significant sacrifices.

Many KC-135s are engaged in refueling operations within the U.S. Central Command area.

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