The United States Department of Defense has identified the six American service members who lost their lives when a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed during a mission in western Iraq on Thursday.
Three of the fallen airmen served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus:
- Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville
- Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington
- Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus
The other three were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa:
- John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn
- Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington
- Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown
The aircraft was conducting a refueling mission supporting U.S. military operations when the tragedy occurred. Officials say the crash, which involved another KC-135 tanker, remains under investigation.
Today, six families mourn loved ones who answered their nation’s call to serve. Across the country, communities are remembering them not just as airmen, but as sons, daughters, friends, and heroes whose sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸
