The U.S. Department of Defense has identified six service members who died in a plane crash over Iraq.
The KC-135 aerial refueling tanker they were aboard was supporting U.S. operations targeting Iran, and officials say the crash was not caused by hostile fire.
The incident involved another aircraft, but preliminary reports indicate that no enemy or friendly fire was involved. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the military.
Officials confirmed that the airmen were part of U.S. Air Force operations supporting regional missions against Iranian targets, emphasizing that safety and operational procedures are being thoroughly reviewed.
Airmen from MacDill and Rickenbacker bases
Three of the fallen airmen were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, near Tampa, Florida:
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Major John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama
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Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington
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Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky
The other three were from the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio:
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Captain Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana
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Captain Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio
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Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio
The Department of Defense has expressed condolences to the families and communities of the fallen airmen. Military officials are continuing a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, aiming to determine the cause and prevent future incidents.
