Six U.S. Service Members Killed in Refueling Crash During Iran War

The Pentagon has identified the six airmen who died when their refueling tanker crashed in western Iraq.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. Department of Defense has identified the six service members killed when a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during a mission related to the ongoing Iran war. The victims included three airmen from the 6th Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and three from the 121st Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio.

Why it matters

The deaths of these six service members highlight the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel involved in the Iran conflict, which has already claimed 13 American lives since it began in late February. Their loss is deeply felt by their home communities in Alabama and Ohio.

The details

The KC-135 Stratotanker crashed on Thursday in what was considered friendly airspace in western Iraq. In addition to the six fatalities, a second refueling tanker involved in the mission declared an emergency before landing safely in Tel Aviv, Israel. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Pentagon.

  • The Iran war began in late February 2026.
  • The refueling mission crash occurred on Thursday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Department of Defense

The U.S. federal department responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government relating directly to national security and the United States Armed Forces.

6th Refueling Wing

A unit of the United States Air Force stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida that operates Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft.

121st Refueling Wing

A unit of the Ohio Air National Guard stationed at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio that also operates Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Three of the service members who lost their lives in duty to our nation were stationed at the 117th in Birmingham. They were not only outstanding Airmen. They were our neighbors -- our fellow Alabamians. May their service and that of their families never be forgot.”

— Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama

“Every mission they undertook involved risks that they were willing to take and the courage to put the lives of others above their own. They served with honor.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio

What’s next

The Pentagon has stated that the cause of the refueling tanker crash is under investigation.

The takeaway

The tragic deaths of these six service members highlight the ongoing human toll of the Iran conflict, which has already claimed 13 American lives. Their sacrifice and bravery in carrying out critical refueling missions to support the war effort is deeply felt by their local communities in Alabama and Ohio.