TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Department of War on Saturday released the identities of the six Air Force airmen who died in the KC-135 crash in western Iraq.

Their names are:

  • Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Ala.
  • Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Wash.
  • Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Ky.
  • Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Ind.
  • Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio
  • Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio

The six members died after a U.S. military refueling aircraft went down in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, U.S. Central Command said.

According to the Department, Maj. Klinner, Capt. Savino, and Tech. Sgt. Pruitt were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.

Capt. Koval, Capt. Angst, and Tech. Sgt. Simmons were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Alex, Ariana and Ashley. To lose a member of the Air Force family is excruciatingly painful, especially to those who know them as son, daughter, brother, sister, spouse, mom, or dad. To lose them at the same time is unimaginable. Our hearts and minds are with the family, friends and loved ones of our fallen Airmen. Our communities feel this loss deeply and Team MacDill will ensure their sacrifices and service to our nation are never forgotten. We will honor them each and every day as we continue to answer our nation’s call.”

— U.S. Air Force Col. Ed Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing Commander

Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruitt
Captain Ariana Savino
Major Alex Klinner

According to MacDill, the 99th Air Refueling Squadron is a separate unit stationed at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama, but functions administratively under the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.

Officials said the crash is under investigation and was not caused by hostile fire nor friendly fire.

The crash means at least 12 U.S. service members have died since the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated attacks against Iran on Feb. 28.