Six U.S. Service Members Killed in Iraq Refueling Plane Crash

Six U.S. service members were killed on March 12 when a military KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq near Turaibil, along the Iraqi-Jordanian border.

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

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth honored them as American heroes. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine confirmed the crew was on a combat mission but flying over friendly territory when the incident occurred. The Department of Defense has launched an investigation.

Simmons’ mother described the emotional moment uniformed officers arrived at her home to deliver the news.