Birmingham Mourns 3 Airmen Killed in Iraq Refueling Accident

Community rallies to support families of fallen service members

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:05pm

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The Birmingham community is coming together to honor the memory of three local service members following a tragic military aircraft accident in Iraq. Six U.S. airmen were lost in the crash, and three of them were stationed at Birmingham's Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base.

Why it matters

The loss of these three airmen, who were part of the local community, has deeply impacted the Birmingham area. The community's outpouring of support for the families through fundraisers and tributes highlights the close-knit nature of the city and the importance of honoring those who make the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.

The details

The three airmen stationed in Birmingham were identified as Major John 'Alex' Klinner, 33, a pilot from Auburn; Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31, a pilot from Covington, Washington; and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, an assistant flight chief from Bardstown, Kentucky. Though they were part of a Florida-based wing, they lived and worked full-time in Birmingham as part of an active-duty associate unit that partners with the city's 117th Air Refueling Wing.

  • The tragic accident occurred in Iraq on March 15, 2026.

The players

Major John 'Alex' Klinner

A 33-year-old pilot from Auburn, Alabama, who was a husband and father of three.

Captain Ariana G. Savino

A 31-year-old pilot from Covington, Washington.

Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt

A 34-year-old assistant flight chief from Bardstown, Kentucky, who was a wife and mother of two.

Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base

The Birmingham-based military installation where the three airmen were stationed.

117th Air Refueling Wing

The Birmingham-based unit that the three airmen were part of as an active-duty associate unit.

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What they’re saying

“They were not only outstanding Airmen. They were our neighbors — our fellow Alabamians. May their service and that of their families never be forgotten.”

— Gov. Kay Ivey

What’s next

The investigation into the accident in Iraq is ongoing.

The takeaway

The Birmingham community has rallied together to support the families of the three fallen airmen, highlighting the close-knit nature of the city and the importance of honoring those who make the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.