March 15, 2026 — Washington, D.C. The Pentagon has identified the six U.S. service members killed in KC-135 refueling plane crash in Iraq[2], which occurred on March 12 in western Iraq during a combat mission supporting operations.[1] All six crew members aboard the U.S. Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker died, with the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and Department of War (DoW) confirming the incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. An investigation is ongoing.[3]
Incident Details
The crash happened amid U.S. operations in the region, noted in context of actions against Iran.[7] The aircraft was from the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, and the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio.[2] Initial reports from major outlets like CNN and AP News detailed the loss of the refueling plane, with updates confirming all aboard perished.[6]
The Pentagon emphasized the non-combat nature of the six U.S. service members killed in KC-135 refueling plane crash in Iraq, ruling out enemy action.[9] Coverage from CBS News and ABC News highlighted the deaths during heightened regional tensions.[10][11]
Victims Identified
The DoW released the names on March 15:
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Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama
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Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington
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Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky (6th Air Refueling Wing)
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Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana
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Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio
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Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio (121st Air Refueling Wing)
Profiles from Stars and Stripes and AP News included family tributes.[13][8]
Official Responses and Coverage
CENTCOM press releases confirmed all crew members deceased.[17] International outlets like The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and BBC reported the identifications and context.[14][15][4]
On X, high-engagement posts from accounts like @CollinRugg and @nicksortor shared condolences, family tributes, and GoFundMe links for the six U.S. service members killed in KC-135 refueling plane crash in Iraq.[18][19] OSINT discussions noted the latest major U.S. military aviation incident.[3]
This event marks a significant loss, with ongoing investigations into the cause of the six U.S. service members killed in KC-135 refueling plane crash in Iraq amid broader operations.[16]
