DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AP) — On Wednesday, President Donald Trump paid tribute to six U.S. service members whose remains were returned to their families at a military base in Delaware. These service members were tragically killed in the recent crash of a KC-135 Air Force refueling aircraft while conducting operations in western Iraq amidst ongoing conflicts related to the war with Iran.
This marks the second instance of Trump attending the dignified transfer ceremony since the war's escalation began on February 28. The president has previously stated that participating in such ceremonies is one of the most challenging aspects of his role as commander in chief.
Accompanying Trump during this solemn occasion were notable figures including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and several lawmakers, including Alabama Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt.
On March 18, six crew members of the KC-135 were identified as having perished in the crash, which occurred while they were conducting missions against Iranian targets. The deceased hail from various states, including Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Washington. Retired Lt. Col. Ernesto Nisperos, a friend of one of the fallen, expressed the profound impact of their sacrifice in a text message, highlighting their exceptional professionalism and courage.
The incident increased the death toll in Operation Epic Fury to a grim total of at least 13 service members, with approximately 200 others injured, including 10 suffering severe injuries as reported by the Pentagon. The ceremony on Wednesday was closed to media in accordance with military policy, respecting the wishes of the families involved. Trump spent nearly two hours on the base but did not address the press upon his arrival or departure.
Earlier, Trump had visited Dover Air Force Base on March 7 to conduct another dignified transfer for six service members killed by a drone strike in Kuwait. During that visit, he reflected on the tragic nature of war, acknowledging the difficulty of needing to return for repeat ceremonies as conflicts continue to escalate.
U.S. Central Command provided details on the crash, which followed an undisclosed incident involving two aircraft in "friendly airspace" over Iraq. They emphasized that the loss of the aircraft was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. The other aircraft safely landed without incident.
Three of the victims were affiliated with the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida: Maj. John A. "Alex" Klinner, Capt. Ariana Linse Savino, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt. Klinner, who left a wife and three young children, was renowned for his leadership and character. Pruitt was described by her husband as a woman who radiated positivity. Savino was remembered for her inspirational qualities and her pride in her Puerto Rican heritage.
The other three service members were associated with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio: Capt. Seth Koval, Capt. Curtis Angst, and Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons. Koval was characterized as a supportive husband and a 'fixer' who pursued his dream of becoming a pilot. Angst’s family portrayed him as a person full of love for others, and Simmons was noted for his close relationship with his grandmother.
Senators Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno honored the Ohio service members in a recent Senate floor address, expressing their grief and gratitude toward the families of the fallen soldiers, emphasizing the profound loss felt by the nation.
