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

The Pentagon has named the six airmen who died when their KC-135 Stratotanker crashed during a refueling mission supporting operations against Iran.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:05pm

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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 on Thursday in western Iraq during a mission supporting operations connected to the conflict with Iran. The crash was not the result of hostile action or friendly fire, and the cause remains under investigation.

Why it matters

The loss of these six airmen is a tragic reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members in ongoing military operations. The KC-135 Stratotanker is a critical asset for the U.S. Air Force, providing aerial refueling capabilities that allow aircraft to extend their range and mission duration.

The details

The six airmen were assigned to two different refueling wings within the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. Three were from the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, and three were from the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio. The crash involved another aircraft, which landed safely.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, March 16, 2026.
  • The crash was during a refueling mission linked to Operation Epic Fury.

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.

Capt. Ariana G. Sabino

A 31-year-old airman assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt

A 34-year-old airman assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

Capt. Seth R. Kobal

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

Capt. Curtis J. Angst

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

The tragic loss of these six airmen highlights the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members in support of military operations. Their service and dedication to the mission will be remembered, and their deaths underscore the importance of the KC-135 Stratotanker's aerial refueling capabilities for the U.S. Air Force.