By Peter Aitken
Politics Weekend Editor
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The Department of Defense on Saturday evening identified the six Air Force personnel who died when a KC-135 crashed in Western Iraq earlier this week.
In a statement posted to the Pentagon's website, the department identified the six as Airmen who were supporting Operation Epic Fury.
The Context
CENTCOM said the crash involved a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft, occurred over friendly airspace and did not involve hostile or friendly fire.
Read More on World
To date, 13 U.S. service members have died as part of Operation Epic Fury. About 140 U.S. service members have been wounded so far in the war with Iran, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, offering the most detailed public accounting yet of American casualties from weeks of Iranian missile, rocket and drone attacks across the Middle East.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said most of the injuries have been minor, with 108 troops already returned to duty. Eight service members remain severely injured, he said.
...
What To Know
The search and rescue mission to recover the deceased members concluded on March 13. The circumstances of the incident remain under investigation, and more information will be released as it becomes available.
The decease military personnel have been identified as:
- 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
- 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
Klinner, Savino, and Pruitt were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, while Koval, Angst, and Simmons were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.
The 99th Air Refueling Squadron is a geographically separated unit stationed at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, in Birmingham, Alabama, but functions administratively under the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa,
Florida.
The Ohio National Guard and the Air Force provided Newsweek with information about the three members who served in the 121st Air Refueling Wing and the 6th Air Refueling Wing, respectively. Some of the members received medals with an oak leaf cluster, which signifies subsequent, additional, or "second and succeeding" awards of a specific decoration.
The Ohio National Guard released the following video statement, posted on YouTube shortly before the Pentagon issued formal identification of the deceased:
Maj. John A. Klinner
Klinner was the Chief of Squadron Standardizations and Evaluations at the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, in charge of directing the unit’s Standardization and Evaluation program, ensuring 34 aircrew maintained required proficiency, safety, and compliance with directives as an evaluator pilot.
He entered the Air Force in 2017 through Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps from Auburn University, where he graduated with a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, and completed pilot training in November 2018. He was initially assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, later completing advanced instruments training and instructor pilot upgrade in 2022, followed by evaluator upgrade in 2024.
He deployed in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2026 in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Atlas Guardian, Southern Spear, and Epic Fury, with 362 combat hours and 181 combat support hours in theater. He received the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Aerial Achievement Medal, and the Air and Space Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster.
Capt. Ariana G. Savino
Savino was the Chief of Current Operations Pilot at the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, where she was responsible for the unit's $21 million flying hour program.
She earned her active duty commission in 2017 through Air Force e Reserve Officer Training Corps from Central Washington University, Washington, from which she graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration aero/aviation management. In 2020, she graduated from training as a Combat Systems Officer, and served at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia as a Standardization and Evaluation officer, Assistant Flight Commander, and Flight Commander.
She then attended undergraduate pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, earning her wings in 2025 before becoming a KC-135 pilot.
Savino deployed in 2020 and 2026 in support of Operations Spartan Shield, Sentinel Sentry, and Epic Fury, with 348 combat hours in both the E8-C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System as a Combat Systems Operator and the KC-135 Stratotanker as a pilot. She received the Air Medal and the Air and Space Commendation Medal.
Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt
Pruitt was an Assistant Flight Chief of Operations and KC-135 Instructor Boom Operator at the 99th Air Refueling Squadron. She oversaw aircrew readiness, training, and flight operations.
She entered the Air Force in 2017 and completed Career Enlisted Aviator training in February 2018, followed by the Initial Boom Operator course in July 2021. She held a variety of aircrew leadership positions related to air refueling operations throughout her service, including the non-commissioned officer in charge of readiness.
Pruitt deployed in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2026 in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Freedom's Sentinel, Enduring Sentinel, Resolute Support, and Epic Fury, with 888 combat flight hours. She received the Air Medal with silver oak leaf cluster, Air and Space Commendation medal with two oak leaf clusters, and Air and Space Achievement Medal.
Capt. Seth R. Koval
Koval was the KC-135R Stratotanker Instructor Pilot for the 166th Air Refueling Squadron attached to the 121st Air Refueling Wing, responsible for training pilots in worldwide air refueling, aeromedical, cargo, and passenger operations.
He enlisted in the Air Force in 2006 as a machinist with the Indiana National Guard's 122nd Fighter Wing, later graduating from Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in aviation operations in 2011. He transferred to the Ohio Air National Guard in 2017.
Koval deployed in 2014, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2026 in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Spartan Shield, and Epic Fury, with 443 combat hours. He received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Air and Space Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Air and Space Achievement Medal.
Capt. Curtis J. Angst
Angst attended the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering before enlisting in the Ohio Air National Guard in 2015 as a Vehicle Maintenance Technician with the 123rd Air Control Squadron.
Angst went on to earn a commission in 2021, attending undergraduate pilot training in 2022, followed by KC-135R Pilot Initial Qualification in 2024.
He deployed in 2015 and 2026 in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Epic Fury, flying 67 combat hours. He received the Air and Space Commendation Medal, the Air and Space Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Unit Award, the Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons
Simmons joined the Air Force in 2017 through Air Force Basic Military Training. He completed security forces technical training school in May 2018. He graduated with an associates degree from the Community College of the Air Force at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, and became an Inflight Refueling Specialist in April 2022, followed by becoming a Mobility Force Aviator in 2023.
He deployed in 2018, 2023, and 2026 in support of U.S. Central Command supporting Operations Freedom Sentinel, Spartan Shield, and Epic Fury, flying 230 combat hours. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal.
What People Are Saying
Maj. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, Ohio adjutant general, in a statement to the press: “Today we mourn the loss of three remarkable Airmen whose service and commitment embodied the very best of our Ohio National Guard. Their impact on their teammates and our mission will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and fellow service members, and our entire Guard family stands with them as we grieve together during this difficult time.”
U.S. Air Force Col. Ed Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing Commander in a statement to the press: “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Alex, Ariana and Ashley. To lose a member of the Air Force family is excruciatingly painful, especially to those who know them as son, daughter, brother, sister, spouse, mom, or dad. To lose them at the same time is unimaginable. Our hearts and minds are with the family, friends and loved ones of our fallen Airmen."
“Our communities feel this loss deeply and Team MacDill will ensure their sacrifices and service to our nation are never forgotten," Szczepanik added. "We will honor them each and every day as we continue to answer our nation’s call."
Update 3/15/26, 12:50 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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