Air Force captain from Washington state among six killed in KC-135 crash in Iraq

An Air Force captain from Washington has been identified as one of the six people killed in a crash of a KC-135 in western Iraq on Thursday.

According to the Department of War, 31-year-old Capt. Ariana G. Savino of Covington was killed in the crash. Capt. Savino was assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing based out of the MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

“I am heartbroken to learn about the passing of Capt. Ariana G. Savino from Washington state. I am deeply grateful for her courage and sacrifice in service to our country. Our servicemembers put their lives on the line to keep our country safe—remarkable women like Capt. Savino represent the absolute best of our state and country,” said U.S. Senator Patty Murray.

33-year-old Maj. John A. Klinner of Alabama, 34-year-old Tech. Sgt. Ashely B. Pruitt of Kentucky, 38-year-old Capt. Seth R. Koval of Indiana, 30-year-old Capt. Curtis J. Angst of Ohio and 28-year-old Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons of Ohio were also killed in the crash.

No one killed in the crash was stationed out of Fairchild Air Force Base.

“As we mourn the passing of these heroes, we must remember our commitment to honor them not only with words but by supporting the families they leave behind,” Sen. Murray said.

The Department of War says the incident in western Iraq is still under investigation.