BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Department of Defense has released the identities of the six American service members killed Thursday when a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq. Pentagon officials confirmed the casualties on Monday, emphasizing that the loss of the aircraft was not the result of hostile fire.
The fallen include three active-duty Air Force members and three members of the Air National Guard. The crash marks one of the most significant non-combat aviation losses for the U.S. military in the region in recent years.
The Fallen Heroes
The Pentagon identified the deceased as:
- Maj. John “Alex” Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama (U.S. Air Force)
- Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington (U.S. Air Force)
- Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky (U.S. Air Force)
- Maj. Seth Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana (Air National Guard)
- 1st Lt. Curtis Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio (Air National Guard)
- Staff Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio (Air National Guard)
Distinguished Leadership and Service
Capt. Ariana Savino served as the Chief of Current Operations Pilot for the 99th Air Refueling Squadron in Birmingham, Alabama. A high-achieving officer, she managed a flying hour program valued at $21 million. Colleagues described Savino as a “superstar” and a dedicated mentor to Latina youth within the service.
Maj. John “Alex” Klinner, an eight-year veteran and Auburn University alumnus, had been promoted to Major only two months prior to the incident. He had deployed to the region less than a week before the crash. Klinner is survived by his wife, Libby, and three young children, including seven-month-old twins.
Veteran Experience and Expertise
Maj. Seth Koval was a veteran Aircraft Commander with 19 years of service. A Purdue University graduate, Koval transitioned from the Indiana National Guard to an Ohio-based unit in 2017. His family remembered him as a man who had “dreamed of becoming a pilot” since childhood.
Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt was an experienced instructor boom operator and assistant flight chief. Since joining the Air Force in 2017, Pruitt had completed four separate deployments, including tours in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2026.
1st Lt. Curtis Angst, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, began his career as a vehicle maintenance technician before earning his wings. By 2024, he was fully qualified for worldwide aeromedical and cargo operations.
Staff Sgt. Tyler Simmons served as the mission’s boom operator. His family recalled his “million-dollar smile” and noted that despite the inherent dangers of the mission, Simmons remained committed to his dream job.
Investigation Into the Incident
The KC-135 Stratotanker is the backbone of U.S. aerial refueling capabilities, allowing long-range bombers and fighters to remain airborne for extended periods. While the aircraft was operating in a high-intensity environment, U.S. officials have explicitly ruled out both “hostile fire and friendly fire” as causes for the downed plane.
The Air Force has convened a Safety Investigation Board to determine the precise cause of the crash. Investigators are expected to examine mechanical records, weather conditions at the time of the incident, and flight data recorders.
“The loss of these six brave individuals is a profound blow to the refueling community and the families they leave behind,” a Department of Defense spokesperson stated. “We are committed to a transparent and thorough investigation to ensure the safety of our remaining fleet.”
Strategic Context
The crash occurred during a period of sustained U.S. operations in the Middle East aimed at maintaining regional stability. Despite the absence of direct combat involvement in this specific incident, the mission underscores the continuous risks faced by support crews operating in the theater.
The 99th Air Refueling Squadron and the associated National Guard units have grounded non-essential flights temporarily as a standard safety precaution while the initial assessment continues.
