Six brave service members tragically lost their lives when a U.S. military refueling plane crashed in Iraq on Thursday. One of the victims, Captain Ariana G. Savino, was from Covington, Washington. She was supporting Operation Epic Fury at the time.
The other victims included:
- Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, from Alabama
- Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, from Kentucky
- Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, from Indiana
- Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, from Ohio
- Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, also from Ohio
Captain Savino was with the 6th Air Refueling Wing based at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. The team expressed their deep sorrow over the losses, highlighting the impact on families and friends.
Savino had a bright path ahead. She graduated from Central Washington University in 2017 and earned her officer commission through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. By 2021, she had become a Captain, achieving many milestones and flying over 348 combat hours.
Local leaders responded with heartfelt tributes. King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn expressed sadness over Savino’s sacrifice, emphasizing her role in making the country safer. Senator Murray also shared her condolences, praising Savino as a remarkable individual.
The crash occurred in “friendly airspace,” but it wasn’t caused by friendly fire, as confirmed by CENTCOM. This event follows a recent incident where Kuwait mistakenly shot down three American F-15E Strike Eagles supporting the same operation. Investigations are ongoing.
Military experts note that the KC-135 Stratotanker plays a critical role in extended missions by refueling planes in midair. It’s not only vital for combat operations but also for medical evacuations and surveillance missions.
This incident reminds us of the sacrifices made by service members daily. Their bravery and commitment to duty contribute to our safety and security.
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