Six U.S. Airmen Killed in Iraq Refueling Crash Identified

The Pentagon has released the names of the six airmen who died in the incident.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:05pm

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The U.S. Department of Defense has identified the six American airmen who were killed when a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed Thursday in western Iraq during a mission supporting operations connected to the conflict with Iran. The fallen crew members served in two different refueling wings within the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard.

Why it matters

The crash highlights the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members supporting military operations in the Middle East. The KC-135 Stratotanker is a critical aircraft for enabling extended air missions, and its loss will impact the Air Force's refueling capabilities.

The details

The aircraft went down in 'friendly' airspace while conducting a refueling mission linked to Operation Epic Fury. Authorities noted the incident involved another aircraft, which landed safely. The crash was not the result of hostile action or friendly fire, and the cause remains under investigation. Another Stratotanker involved in the incident declared an emergency but landed safely in Tel Aviv with no reported injuries.

  • The crash occurred on Thursday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Maj. John A. Klinner

A 33-year-old airman assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and the 99th Air Refueling Squadron based at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama.

Capt. Ariana G. Sabino

A 31-year-old airman assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and the 99th Air Refueling Squadron based at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama.

Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt

A 34-year-old airman assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and the 99th Air Refueling Squadron based at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama.

Capt. Seth R. Kobal

A 38-year-old airman assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.

Capt. Curtis J. Angst

A 30-year-old airman assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.

Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons

A 28-year-old airman assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.

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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, Alabama Governor

“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, Ohio Governor

“Today we mourn the loss of three remarkable Airmen whose service and commitment embodied the very best of our Ohio National Guard.”

— Matthew S. Woodruff, Ohio Adjutant General

What’s next

The Pentagon confirmed the crash remains under investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing sacrifices made by U.S. service members supporting military operations in the Middle East, and the critical role of refueling aircraft like the KC-135 Stratotanker in enabling extended air missions.