Birmingham, Ala (WDNews) — Six United States military personnel were killed Thursday, March 12, 2026, following an accident involving a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft over western Iraq while supporting Operation Epic Fury.
Three of those killed were assigned to the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, part of the 117th Air Refueling Wing based at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base in Birmingham.
Officials identified the fallen as:
Major John A. “Alex” Klinner, of Trussville, Alabama.
Captain Ariana G. Savino, of Washington state.
Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, of Kentucky.
Gov. Kay Ivey announced flags across Alabama will be lowered on the day of interment for Major Klinner to honor his service and sacrifice. The state said details on the date will be released once they are confirmed.
