Washington Governor Orders Flags Lowered for Fallen Maj. Savino

Maj. Ariana Savino, 31, was killed in a KC-135 refueling aircraft crash during the war against Iran.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:28pm

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A serene painting of an American flag pole standing alone in a warm, golden light, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and reverence.A somber tribute to a fallen soldier, as the state pauses to honor the ultimate sacrifice.Today in Tampa

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff on April 10 to honor Maj. Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, who was killed on March 12 during America's war against Iran when her KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq.

Why it matters

Maj. Savino's death is a tragic loss for the state of Washington and the U.S. military, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict with Iran. The governor's order to lower flags is a solemn tribute to her service and sacrifice.

The details

Savino, a 2013 Kentwood High School graduate, was posthumously promoted to the rank of major from captain, effective January 23, 2026. The KC-135 Stratotanker she was aboard went down on March 12 during Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led, Israel-coordinated military operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and infrastructure. The search and rescue efforts to recover the crew members concluded on March 13, and the circumstances of the incident are under investigation, though the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile or friendly fire.

  • Flags will be lowered to half-staff on Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • Maj. Savino was killed on March 12, 2026.
  • She was posthumously promoted to major effective January 23, 2026.

The players

Bob Ferguson

The governor of Washington who ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Maj. Savino.

Maj. Ariana Savino

A 31-year-old U.S. Air Force officer from Covington, Washington who was killed when her KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during the war against Iran.

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What they’re saying

“I am deeply saddened by the death of United States Air Force Maj. Ariana Savino, 31, from Covington, who died on March 12, 2026, in an incident in Western Iraq while on active duty.”

— Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington

What’s next

The U.S. military is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash that killed Maj. Savino and five other airmen.

The takeaway

Maj. Savino's death is a tragic reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. military serving in active conflicts. Her posthumous promotion and the governor's order to lower flags in her honor underscore the respect and gratitude her service has earned.