President Donald Trump paid solemn respects on Wednesday to six American service members killed in a military plane crash, attending a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. The event, closed to media coverage at the families' request, marked the president's second such appearance since initiating military operations against Iran on February 28.
Second Dignitary Transfer Since Iran Conflict Began
The six crew members perished when their KC-135 Air Force refueling aircraft crashed over friendly territory in western Iraq while supporting operations against Iran. All personnel were assigned to missions within Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing US military campaign against Iranian forces.
"Every person on that aircraft carried a weight most Americans will never see, and they carried it with professionalism, courage, and a level of quiet excellence that deserves to be recognized," said retired Lt. Col Ernesto Nisperos, a friend of one of the deceased service members, in a statement released Wednesday.
Growing Casualty Toll in Operation Epic Fury
The tragic incident brings the confirmed US death toll in Operation Epic Fury to at least thirteen service members, with approximately two hundred American personnel injured, including ten classified as severe cases according to Pentagon reports. The crash occurred during what US Central Command described as "an unspecified incident involving two aircraft" in friendly Iraqi airspace, with investigations confirming the loss was "not due to hostile or friendly fire."
Accompanying President Trump were Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, and several lawmakers including Alabama Republican Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt. The president spent nearly two hours on the ground at the military base but did not address reporters upon arrival or departure.
Fallen Service Members Remembered
The six casualties represented multiple states across America, with personnel hailing from Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Washington state. Three were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, while the remaining three served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio.
Maj. John A. "Alex" Klinner, 33, of Birmingham, Alabama, leaves behind a wife, a two-year-old son, and seven-month-old twins. Colleagues remembered him for his steady command presence, goofy nature, and consistent willingness to help others.
Capt. Ariana Linse Savino, 31, from Covington, Washington, was described by family spokesman Nisperos as "a source of positive energy" who took pride in her Puerto Rican heritage and inspired young Latinas. "She had this warmth that made you feel seen, a strength that showed up in everything she touched," Nisperos said.
Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky, was remembered by her husband as a "radiant" woman who illuminated any room she entered.
Ohio-Based Airmen Honored
The three Ohio-based personnel included Capt. Seth Koval, 38, originally from Mooresville, Indiana, who resided in Stoutsville, Ohio. His wife described him as a loving, generous "fixer of all things" who had dreamed of becoming a pilot since childhood.
Capt. Curtis Angst, 30, of Columbus, Ohio, lived a life defined by service, generosity, and "a genuine love for people" according to family statements. Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, also of Columbus, was known for confiding in his eighty-five-year-old grandmother and maintaining workout routines with her.
Ohio Senators Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno honored the three airmen from their state on the Senate floor Tuesday. "To the mom and dad of these three young soldiers, I can't even process what you're going through," Moreno said emotionally. "Just know that America is grateful beyond words for the sacrifice that your heroic young sons made."
Previous Transfer Experience
President Trump last visited Dover Air Force Base on March 7 for the dignified transfer of six US service members killed by a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait. During that visit, the president saluted as flag-draped transfer cases containing remains were carried from military aircraft to waiting vehicles.
"It's the bad part of war," Trump told reporters afterward. When asked if he anticipated making multiple trips to the base for additional dignified transfers as the conflict continued, he responded, "I'm sure. I hate to do it, but it's a part of war, isn't it?" The president has previously described dignified transfers as "the toughest thing" he has had to do as commander in chief.
Wednesday's ceremony followed military protocol allowing families to request private media coverage for dignified transfers. The president's attendance comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding his administration's handling of the Iran conflict and previous backlash following his initial dignified transfer appearance earlier in March.
