US reveals identity of six soldiers feared dead in KC-135 refueling aircraft crash
World News US reveals identity of six soldiers feared dead in KC-135 refueling aircraft crash Published on March 15, 2026 By Matthew Atungwu googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); The Pentagon has identified the six service members, who were killed when a US KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday. No fewer than three of the Air Force airmen were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. The Pentagon listed the deceased service members as: googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky According to the Pentagon, the other three airmen were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. They include: Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio The Pentagon added that it is investigating the crash, which involved another KC-135 tanker. Recall that the aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace in western Iraq on March 12 during Operation Epic Fury. Don't Miss Israel clears air on Netanyahu’s death rumours You may like War: Today will be highest volume of strikes we’ve put over Iran – US Transaction failed: What key lessons could Tanzania learn from Israel, United States attacks on Iran 140 persons reported missing after US submarine sinks Iranian warship War: US declares total control of Iran airspace, waterways War: Iran will never access nuclear bomb on our watch – US vows Iran: Four US soldiers killed in action