WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today joined President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General John D. Caine, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.), Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and other members of Congress at Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer of six American heroes who served the United States Air Force and tragically lost their lives last week during Operation Epic Fury, including Alabama-native Major Alex Klinner.

Maj. Klinner, 33, an eight-year U.S. Air Force veteran from Trussville, was a graduate of Auburn University. He leaves behind a loving wife, Libby, and three young children. He was deployed in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2026, having flown 362 combat hours and 181 combat support hours.

"Attending the dignified transfer of Maj. Alex Klinner today was humbling and heartbreaking. In recent days, I've learned more about Maj. Klinner-the many lives he touched, the devoted family man he was, and his deep love of country," said Senator Britt.

Along with Maj. Alex Klinner, Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31, and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, served in the 99^th Refueling Squadron of the 117^th Air Refueling Wing located at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham.

As the Chief of Current Operations Pilot and the 99^th Air Refueling Squad, Capt. Savino played a critical role in refueling operations. She had flown 348 combat hours over multiple deployments in 2020 and 2026.

TSgt. Ashley B. Pruitt-a wife and mother-oversaw aircrew readiness, training, and flight operations. She flew 888 combat flight hours over several deployments in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2026.

Senator Britt continued, saying that "Capt. Savino and TSgt. Pruitt were dedicated servicemembers whose lives were tragically cut short in devoted service to their nation. They were part of our community and exemplified the very best of what it means to be an Alabamian.

"Wesley and I will be forever grateful to Ariana, Ashley, and Alex for their exemplary service and ultimate sacrifice, and we ask that all Alabamians join us in continuing to pray for their families and loved ones during this unthinkable time."

Senator Britt and her family also remember and honor the sacrifice and service of Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio, and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio. All three were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base based in Ohio, and also died in the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft over western Iraq.

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