The Pentagon has identified the six US service members killed in a KC-135 Stratotanker crash in western Iraq on Thursday. The victims were Major John "Alex" Klinner, 33, of Alabama; Captain Ariana Savino, 31, of Washington; Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Kentucky; Captain Seth Koval, 38, of Indiana; Captain Curtis Angst, 30, of Ohio; and Technical Sergeant Tyler Simmons, 28, of Ohio.
Major Klinner, who had recently been promoted and deployed less than a week ago, leaves behind three young children including seven-month-old twins and a two-year-old son. His brother-in-law, James Harrill, described him as a devoted father who made everyone around him feel safe. The families of other victims expressed profound grief, with Simmons' family remembering his smile and strong presence.
The crash occurred after an unspecified incident involving two aircraft in friendly airspace. The second refuelling tanker landed safely in Israel. US Central Command confirmed the loss was not due to hostile or friendly fire. The incident brings the total US deaths in Operation Epic Fury to at least 13.
Questions have emerged regarding whether the crew were issued parachutes. A 2008 Air Force news release stated that parachutes were being removed from KC-135s, citing statistical safety in staying with the aircraft, especially over enemy territory. The KC-135, a derivative of the Boeing 707, has been in service for over 60 years.
