MARCH 15, 2026 – The Department of War announced the death of six Air Force Airmen who were supporting Operation Epic Fury.
Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Ala.; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Wash.; and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Ky., were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Ind.; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio, were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio.
All six crew members aboard the KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq were confirmed deceased. The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace March 12 during Operation Epic Fury.
The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.
The identities of the service members were withheld until next of kin were notified.
The crash brings the total number of U.S. service members killed since the U.S. and Israel launched the war with Iran on Feb. 28 to 13, including six forces killed in an Iranian strike on Kuwait and one killed in Saudi Arabia.
For information regarding Maj. John A. Klinner, Capt. Ariana G. Savino, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, members of the media may contact the 6th Air Refueling Wing, Public Affairs, at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., at (813) 828-2217 or by email at 6.ARW.PA@us.af.mil.
For information regarding Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, members of the media may contact the Ohio Air National Guard Public Affairs office at (614) 506-3490 or by email at heidi.m.griesmer.nfg@army.mil or ng.oh.oharng.mbx.pao@army.mil.
Department of War