A refueling aircraft crash in western Iraq has killed six U.S. service members who were supporting military operations in the region. The aircraft, a KC-135 Stratotanker used for aerial refueling missions, went down last week while operating in what officials described as friendly airspace.

The U.S. military later confirmed the identities of the victims, including pilots and refueling specialists assigned to Air Force and Air National Guard units. The crash is under investigation as officials work to determine what happened during the mission.

KC-135 Refueling Aircraft Crash During Mission Over Iraq

The aircraft involved in the refueling aircraft crash was part of a mission supporting ongoing operations in the Middle East. The KC-135 Stratotanker is a long-serving tanker aircraft used to refuel fighter jets and other military planes in midair.

The crash occurred after an unspecified incident involving another aircraft during the mission. Military officials said the second aircraft involved was able to land safely. The KC-135, however, went down in western Iraq, killing everyone on board.

The six service members included pilots, instructors, and refueling operators with years of experience. Many had deployed multiple times and accumulated hundreds or even thousands of flight hours.

Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, served as an instructor and assistant flight chief responsible for operating the refueling boom system. She had nearly 900 combat flight hours and previously deployed overseas three times.

Maj. John A. “Alex” Klinner, 33, had recently been promoted to major and deployed less than a week before the crash. A pilot and squadron standards officer, he had served eight years in the Air Force and completed several deployments.

Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, was a boom operator responsible for transferring fuel from the tanker to receiving aircraft. He joined the Air Force in 2017 and had completed three deployments during his service.

Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, served as a pilot and chief of current operations for her squadron. She had logged more than 300 combat hours since receiving her commission through an Air Force ROTC program.

Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, had nearly two decades of military service and more than 2,000 flight hours. His role included training pilots and conducting refueling, cargo, and aeromedical operations.

Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, was also a KC-135 pilot with an aerospace engineering background. He joined the Ohio Air National Guard after graduating from the University of Cincinnati and had completed multiple deployments.

Investigation Underway After Refueling Aircraft Crash

The KC-135 Stratotanker has been a key part of U.S. air operations for decades. The aircraft allows fighter jets and other military planes to remain airborne longer by refueling them during flight.

The Air Force operates hundreds of these aircraft across active duty, reserve, and National Guard units. Despite their age, they continue to play a central role in global military missions.

Military officials have not yet disclosed what caused the refueling aircraft crash. Investigators are examining flight data, operational conditions, and possible mechanical issues to understand what led to the incident.

The deaths have drawn tributes from military leaders and families of the crew members. Several of the victims left behind young children and spouses.

The refueling aircraft crash in Iraq marks a tragic loss for the U.S. Air Force community, as investigators continue examining the circumstances behind the fatal mission.