The identities of six service members killed in a U.S. refueling plane crash in Iraq have been confirmed, including Capt. Arianna G. Savino, 31, from Covington, Washington. She was part of Operation Epic Fury when the Stratotanker KC-135 crashed in western Iraq. The other victims included Maj. John A. Kleiner (33) from Alabama, and Sergeants Capt. Ashley B. Pruitt (34) from Kentucky, Capt. Seth R. Koval (38) from Indiana, Capt. Curtis J. Angst (30) from Ohio, and Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons (28) from Ohio.
Savino, assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, had a distinguished career, receiving the Air Medal and logging 348 combat hours. She was highly regarded by colleagues and mentors. Statements of condolence have been issued by local officials, including Senator Murray, who praised her courage and sacrifice. The crash, occurring during Operation Epic Fury, took place in “friendly airspace” and is under investigation, with no indication of “friendly fire” involved. The KC-135 is primarily used for in-flight refueling and can also perform medical evacuations and surveillance missions. This is a developing story.
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