US Department of War Releases Names of All Six Victims in Iraq Refueling Plane Tragedy
The United States Department of War has officially identified all six crew members who perished when their Boeing KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed over western Iraq earlier this week. The tragic incident occurred on March 12, 2026, while the plane was operating in what US authorities describe as friendly airspace.
Details of the Fatal Incident and Conflicting Claims
According to statements from US Central Command, the KC-135 was involved in an unspecified incident with another aircraft during its mission. While the other plane managed to land safely, the refueling aircraft crashed, resulting in the loss of all six crew members aboard. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group representing various Iranian proxy forces, has claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft.
However, US authorities have explicitly stated that preliminary investigations indicate the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active investigation by military officials.
Profiles of the Fallen Airmen and Women
The six victims represent a cross-section of American military service, with three assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio, and the other three serving with the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.
Major John A. Klinner, aged 33 from Auburn, Alabama, was an eight-year veteran of the US Air Force who had been deployed to support operations related to Iran less than a week before the fatal crash. He leaves behind a wife, Libby Klinner, and three young children: seven-month-old twins and a two-year-old son. The family had recently moved into a new home together.
"It's kind of heartbreaking to say, he was just a really good dad and really loved his family a lot - like a lot," said his brother-in-law James Harrill in an emotional tribute.
Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio, was remembered by his family as having a smile "that could light up any room." In a statement provided to local media, his grieving family expressed their profound loss, noting that "his parents, grandparents, family and friends are grief stricken for the loss of life."
Complete List of All Six Crew Members Lost
Following confirmations from the families of Major Klinner and Technical Sergeant Simmons on Saturday, the Department of War released the complete official list of all personnel who perished in the crash:
- Major John A. Klinner, 33, Auburn, Alabama
- Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons, 28, Columbus, Ohio
- Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31, Covington, Washington
- Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, Bardstown, Kentucky
- Captain Seth R. Koval, 38, Mooresville, Indiana
- Captain Curtis J. Angst, 30, Wilmington, Ohio
Military Tributes and Ongoing Investigation
The chief of the National Guard Bureau shared a commemorative image of all six crew members on social media platform X, while the Air National Guard issued an official statement honoring their service. "We share in the sorrow of their loved ones, and we must not forget the valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they have left on our organization," the statement read.
As military investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, the focus remains on determining the precise cause of the incident that claimed the lives of these six service members. The tragedy has highlighted the ongoing risks faced by military personnel operating in volatile regions, even during what are classified as routine missions in friendly airspace.
