The U.S. Department of Defense has identified the six American airmen who were killed when a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed Thursday in western Iraq during a mission supporting operations connected to the conflict with Iran.
Military officials said the aircraft went down in what was considered “friendly” airspace while conducting a refueling mission linked to Operation Epic Fury. Authorities noted the incident involved another aircraft, which landed safely. The crash was not the result of hostile action or friendly fire, and the cause remains under investigation. Officials said another Stratotanker involved in the incident declared an emergency but landed safely in Tel Aviv with no reported injuries.
The fallen crew members served in two different refueling wings within the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. Three of the airmen were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida:
- Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Georgia
- Capt. Ariana G. Sabino, 31, of Covington, Washington
- Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky
They were part of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron based at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama.
The other three airmen served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio:
- Capt. Seth R. Kobal, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana
- Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio
- Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio
Following the announcement, officials from both states shared messages honoring the airmen.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey wrote, “Three of the service members who lost their lives in duty to our nation were stationed at the 117th in Birmingham,” adding, “They were not only outstanding Airmen. They were our neighbors — our fellow Alabamians. May their service and that of their families never be forgot.”
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and his wife also expressed grief over the loss of the Ohio-based airmen, noting that their work supporting long-range missions was essential to national defense. In a message posted online, DeWine wrote, “Every mission they undertook involved risks that they were willing to take and the courage to put the lives of others above their own,” adding, “They served with honor.”
Ohio Adjutant General Matthew S. Woodruff also praised the fallen service members, saying, “Today we mourn the loss of three remarkable Airmen whose service and commitment embodied the very best of our Ohio National Guard.”
The KC-135 Stratotanker is designed to refuel military aircraft mid-flight, allowing them to remain airborne longer and carry out extended missions. The aircraft can also transport wounded personnel and support surveillance operations. The U.S. Air Force has relied on the tanker for more than six decades.
The Pentagon confirmed the crash remains under investigation. The six airmen’s deaths bring the total number of U.S. service members killed in connection with the ongoing conflict with Iran, which began in late February, to 13.
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