Pentagon identifies six airmen killed in Iraq aircraft crash

The U.S. Department of Defense has identified six American servicemembers killed in the crash of a KC-135 refueling aircraft in western Iraq during military operations in the region.

The airmen were named as Maj. John A. Klinner, Capt. Ariana G. Savino, Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons. Officials said the service members were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio.

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the aircraft went down on March 12 in what officials described as “friendly airspace” during Operation Epic Fury. Authorities said the crash occurred following an incident involving two aircraft, though the second aircraft landed safely. Officials added that the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.

The Pentagon said the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials also confirmed that since the start of the military campaign on Feb. 28, at least 13 U.S. servicemembers have been killed and around 140 others wounded in the conflict.