3 Ohio Air National Guard members were among six U.S. service members killed after a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, officials said.
3 Ohio Air National Guard Members Among 6 Killed in Iraq Aircraft Crash
3 members of the Ohio Air National Guard were among six U.S. service members killed when a Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed Thursday in western Iraq, officials said.
The Ohio Adjutant General’s Department identified the Ohio service members as Seth Koval, Curtis Angst, and Tyler Simmons.
According to officials, Koval, 28, of Stoutsville, served as the aircraft commander and had 19 years of military service. Angst, 30, of Columbus, was a KC-135 pilot with 10 years of service. Simmons, 28, an Eastmoor Academy High School graduate, served as a boom operator and had eight years of service.
The three were deployed with the 121st Air Refueling Wing, which operates out of Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.
The U.S. Department of Defense said three other crew members also died in the crash: John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; and Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky.
Officials with United States Central Command said the crash occurred after an unspecified incident involving the refueling aircraft and another plane while flying in what was described as “friendly airspace.” The other aircraft involved reportedly landed safely in Israel.
Following the news, Mike DeWine, governor of Ohio, ordered U.S. and Ohio flags to be flown at half-staff across the state to honor the three fallen service members.
Flags will remain lowered at public buildings and grounds until sunset on the day of their funerals.
Maj. Gen. Matthew Woodruff, adjutant general of Ohio, said the loss deeply affects the state’s military community.
“Today we mourn the loss of three remarkable Airmen whose service and commitment embodied the very best of our Ohio National Guard,” Woodruff said in a statement.
Follow Dalmar TV on Facebook for the Latest News
