Alabama pilot among 6 killed in KC-135 crash. What we know

Six U.S. service members were killed Thursday, March 12, when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq while conducting a mission in support of Operation Epic Fury.

The Pentagon has released the identities of the six service members, including a pilot from Alabama. 

Here’s what we know so far about the crash and the victims.

Alabama service member identified among six killed in aircraft crash

Maj. John “Alex” Klinner, 33, an Air Force pilot, Auburn graduate and veteran, was among those killed in Thursday’s crash.

Klinner leaves behind his wife and three young children— 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son.

Friends and family described Klinner as an outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking and spending time outside, and someone who was always willing to lend a hand to others. 

Klinner was one of three people in the crash assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base. Governor Kay Ivey said the airman was stationed in Birmingham.

A fundraiser created to support Klinner’s family says he “was a devoted husband, a loving father and the kind of person who would quietly step in to help anyone who needed it.” The campaign, hosted on GoFundMe, will help provide financial support for his wife and their three children as they navigate life after his death.

What we know about the KC-135 crash in Iraq

Officials said the aircraft, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, went down during a mission supporting Operation Epic Fury. The U.S. Military said the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.

It was confirmed on Friday morning that all crew members aboard the aircraft were killed in the crash.

A second plane involved in the operation landed safely.

Operation Epic Fury is the Pentagon’s designation for its current response to the conflict in the region involving Iran. Military officials said the incident remains under investigation.

Pentagon identifies six servicemembers killed in Iraq KC-135 crash

U.S. officials have identified the other five service members who were killed when the refueling aircraft was lost over Iraq.

• Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington
• Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky
• Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana
• Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio
• Tech Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio

According to the U.S. military, Klinner, Savino and Pruitt were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base. 

Koval, Angst and Simmons were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. 

Auburn University, Gov. Kay Ivey react to airman’s death

Auburn University and Gov. Kay Ivey shared condolences after the death of Klinner

In a statement, Auburn said Klinner graduated in 2016 with a degree in mechanical engineering and praised his commitment to service.

The university said his decision to serve “reflects the courage, character and sense of duty demonstrated by those who choose a life of service,” adding that the school’s community, often called the Auburn Family, is mourning the loss.

Ivey also released a statement on X, noting that three of the service members killed in the crash were stationed in Birmingham.

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

Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at [email protected].