Iran battle: Grieving households title US airmen killed in Iraq airplane crash | EUROtoday

An Alabama pilot who had been promoted to main simply weeks in the past was among the many victims of an Air Force airplane crash in Iraq this week.

All six crew members aboard the KC-135 Stratotanker died when the refueling plane got here down Thursday.

It was supporting operations in opposition to Iran throughout Operation Epic Fury – the rising battle between the U.S. and Iran which was launched by President Donald Trump on the finish of February.

U.S. Central Command earlier stated that the plane was in “friendly” airspace when an unspecified incident occurred, involving one other airplane. The second airplane landed safely.

The Pentagon has but to formally title the victims of the crash, however their households started to establish them publicly Saturday.

The Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refuelling Wing had confirmed late Friday through Facebook that three of the deceased have been airmen from their Columbus-based unit.

The publish added: “We share in the sorrow of their loved ones, and we must not forget the valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they have left on our organization.”

A brand new main

Alex Klinner, a pilot from Birmingham, Alabama, had simply been promoted to main in January and had been deployed lower than per week when the deadly crash occurred, his brother-in-law, James Harrill, stated Saturday whereas confirming his loss of life.

Klinner was the daddy of dual seven-month-old youngsters and in addition had a 2-year-old-son, stated Harrill, of Atlanta, who helped arrange a GoFundMe website for Klinner’s household.

“It’s kind of heartbreaking to say: He was just a really good dad and really loved his family a lot — like a lot,” Harrill stated.

An outdoorsman who loved mountaineering, Klinner was additionally prepared to assist others. When Harrill final noticed him in January, Klinner had shoveled Harrill’s automobile out of the snow throughout a household marriage ceremony.

“Alex was a type of guys that had this regular command about him,” Harrill said. “He was literally one of the most kindest, giving people.”

A ‘strong presence’

Sgt. Tyler Simmons of Columbus, Ohio, also was among six service members who died Thursday in the crash of the KC-135 Stratotanker, his mother, Cheryl Simmons, confirmed Saturday. She said she was making funeral plans for her son.

In a statement obtained by WCMH-TV in Columbus, Tyler Simmons’ family said it was saddened beyond measure to hear of the fatal crash.

“Tyler’s smile could light up any room, his strong presence would fill it. His parents, grandparents, family and friends are grief stricken for the loss of life,” they said.

Crash not due to ‘hostile or friendly fire’

U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, has said the crash occurred on a combat mission but was over “friendly” territory in western Iraq. Military officials said it is being investigated and was “not on account of hostile or pleasant hearth.”

The KC-135 plane refuels different planes in midair, permitting them to fly longer distances and maintain operations with out touchdown. The airplane may also be used to move wounded personnel and conduct surveillance missions, based on navy consultants.

The Congressional Research Service says the Air Force had 376 KC-135s in 2025, together with 151 on lively obligation, 163 within the Air National Guard and 62 within the Air Force Reserve. It has been in service for greater than 60 years.