The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Saturday the names of the six Air Force personnel who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash over Iraqi territory.
The individuals were aboard a KC-135 refueling aircraft supporting U.S. operations against Iran.
According to military officials, the incident involved another aircraft but was not caused by enemy or friendly fire; an investigation is currently underway.
Among the victims, three were part of the 6th Air Refueling Wing based at MacDill Air Force Base near Tampa, Florida. They included Major John A. Kleiner (33) from Auburn, Alabama, Captain Ariana J. Savino (31) from Covington, Washington, and Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt (34) from Bardstown, Kentucky.
The other three airmen were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. They were Captain Seth R. Koval (38) from Mooresville, Indiana, Captain Curtis J. Angst (30) from Wilmington, Ohio, and Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons (28) from Columbus, Ohio.
