Six US Air Force Airmen Killed in Iraq Crash: Tributes and Family Support
Six US Air Force airmen were killed in a crash in western Iraq. Tributes honor their service and sacrifice while families begin grieving their sudden loss.
Key Takeaways
- Six US Air Force members, including pilots and boom operators, were killed in a crash in western Iraq.
- Officials from Alabama and Ohio mourn the loss of neighbors and elite service members who served with honor.
- Families are receiving support through GoFundMe campaigns and official statements from governors and military leaders.
Six US Air Force airmen lost their lives in a tragic aircraft crash in western Iraq. The victims included 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. The incident has sparked widespread grief and emotional tributes from leaders, colleagues, and families.
Maj. John ‘Alex’ Klinner, 33, was a recent pilot who had recently earned his wings. He served as the 99th Air Refueling Squadron’s chief of standardization and evaluation. His wife, Libby Klinner, and their young children are left behind. A GoFundMe page describes him as a devoted husband and servant leader. He was deployed to support Operation Epic Fury, a mission involving critical defense operations.
Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, was a KC-135 pilot who completed her training in 2025. She served as chief of current operations for the 99th Air Refueling Squadron. Friends describe her as a mentor to Latina youth and a source of positive energy. Senator Patty Murray of Washington expressed heartbreak over her death, emphasizing the need to support the families left behind.
Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, was an instructor boom operator and assistant flight chief of operations. She oversaw training for fellow boom operators and deployed multiple times to the Middle East. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear offered prayers for her family, noting that these heroes sacrificed everything for the nation.
Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, served in the Air Force for 19 years before transferring to the Ohio Air National Guard. He trained pilots in worldwide air refueling and aeromedical operations. His family says their world was shattered by the loss of a loving father who dreamed of becoming a pilot.
Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, earned his pilot initial qualification in 2024 after undergraduate pilot training. He was responsible for worldwide air refueling and cargo operations. His awards include the Air and Space Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Unit Award.
Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, was remembered for his “million-dollar smile.” He worked in security before becoming a military boom operator. His mother had hoped he would choose a different path, but his passion for aviation was clear. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther honored his memory as a true hero.
The 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, expressed devastation over the loss. Col. Ed Szczepanik, the wing commander, stated that losing a member of the Air Force family is excruciatingly painful. The 99th Air Refueling Squadron, based at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama, lost three members who were also neighbors and fellow Alabamians.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said the airmen were outstanding and that their service would never be forgotten. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine mourned the loss alongside the rest of the state, noting that these elite members of the Ohio Air National Guard put the lives of others above their own. Auburn University mourned Maj. Klinner, praising his commitment to serving the nation.
The crash occurred while the airmen were engaged in critical missions involving the transfer of fuel from one plane to another in midair. These missions are essential for long-distance operations in defense of the nation. Every mission undertaken involved risks that the airmen were willing to take.
Operation Epic Fury Honors Sacrifice and Service
The six airmen died while serving in defense of the nation. Their sacrifice underscores the courage and dedication of those who choose a life of service. Families and communities are coming together to support one another during this difficult time. The legacy of these heroes will be remembered through the lives they touched and the service they provided.
