President Donald Trump paid his respects on Wednesday at a Delaware military base where the remains of six U.S. service members killed in an Iraq plane crash were returned to their families.
It was the second time Trump has attended this solemn military ritual since the war with Iran began. Accompanying him were Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and several lawmakers.
All six crew members of a KC-135 Air Force refueling aircraft were killed last week in a crash over friendly territory in western Iraq. They were from Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Washington state.
The crash brought the U.S. death toll in Operation Epic Fury to at least 13 service members. About 200 U.S. service members have been injured, including 10 severely, the Pentagon reported.
The dignified transfer was closed to news media at the request of the families. Trump spent nearly two hours on the ground and did not speak to reporters.
The crash involved two aircraft in friendly airspace over Iraq, but the loss was not due to hostile or friendly fire. The circumstances are under investigation.
Those killed included Maj. John Klinner, Capt. Ariana Savino, Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, Capt. Seth Koval, Capt. Curtis Angst, and Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons. Each was remembered for their service, dedication, and personal qualities.
