Photo: Alamy
The U.S. Air Force has identified the six service members killed when a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq during operations connected to the conflict in the region.
Officials said the aircraft went down Thursday in western Iraq after a collision involving two KC-135 tankers operating in friendly airspace. The second aircraft landed safely, according to U.S. Central Command.
The service members killed in the crash were identified as Maj. Alex Klinner, 33, of Birmingham, Alabama; Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; and Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio.
Klinner, a seven-year Air Force pilot assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, had deployed to the Middle East only about a week before the crash. Family members described him as a devoted husband and father of three young children, including 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son.
His brother-in-law, James Harrill, said Klinner was deeply devoted to his family and known for his kindness and leadership.
“Alex was one of those guys that had this steady command about him,” Harrill said, noting that Klinner had recently been promoted to major. “He was literally one of the kindest, most giving people.”
The other victims were also experienced members of the Air Force. Simmons, a boom operator assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio, was remembered by colleagues for his positive attitude and distinctive smile.
Savino and Pruitt were also assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base. Koval, Angst and Simmons served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing in Columbus.
Central Command said the crash occurred during Operation Epic Fury and emphasized that it was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. The incident remains under investigation.
The crash brings the number of U.S. service members killed since military operations in the region began Feb. 28 to 13. Pentagon officials have also reported about 140 American troops wounded during the conflict, including eight listed as severely injured.
