Rep. Sewell Honors the Lives of Airmen Lost in Crash of Refueling Aircraft in Iraq

Washington D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) spoke on the House Floor to honor the airmen whose lives were lost in the crash of a refueling aircraft in Iraq while supporting U.S. military operations in Iran, including Major John "Alex" Klinner, Captain Ariana Savino, and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, who were members of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama.

Watch on YouTube here.

Rep. Sewell: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor six heroic Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave of their lives in defense of the United States.

On March 12, 2026, six American airmen were tragically killed when a K-135 refueler supporting U.S. military operations in Iran crashed in western Iraq.

Today, we remember them by name: Major John "Alex" Klinner, Captain Ariana Savino, Captain Seth Koval, Captain Curtis Angst, Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruitt, and Technical Sergeant Tyler Simmons.

Three of these brave airmen were members of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, which operates in Birmingham, Alabama, in my district. I would like to take a moment to talk about the lives and legacies of these three airmen.

Major Alex Klinner was 33 years old. A native of Auburn, Alabama, he entered the Air Force through the ROTC program at Auburn University in 2017. Major Klinner deployed in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2026 and he served as Chief of Squadron Standardizations and Evaluations at the 99th Air Refueling Squadron since 2024. He was promoted to Major in January. A devoted husband and father, Major Klinner is survived by his wife, Libby, their two-year-old son, and a seven-month-old set of twins.

Captain Ariana Savino was 31 years old. Captain Savino was a native of Covington, Washington. She entered the Air Force through the ROTC program at Central Washington University in 2017. Captain Savino deployed in 2020 and in 2026, and had served as Chief Current Operations Pilot at the 99th Air Refueling Squadron since 2024. Captain Savino was passionate about serving and supporting Latina women in aviation. A dedicated friend and sister, she is survived by her parents, siblings, and pets.

Technical Sergeant Ashley Brooke Pruitt was 34 years old. A native of Bardstown, Kentucky, she entered the Air Force in 2017, deploying overseas three times and serving as an Assistant Flight Chief of Operations at the 99th Air Refueling Squadron. Technical Sergeant Pruitt is remembered as a selfless servant and a radiant mother by those in her community. She is survived by her husband, Gregory, and three-year-old daughter, and a stepson.

The loss of all six of these brave American patriots is devastating, and my prayers are with their families as they grieve. I know I speak for all of us in expressing our deep sorrow and immense gratitude for their service to the United States.

On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District and a grateful nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the lives of six airmen who paid the ultimate price.

May they rest in peace, and may we never, ever forget their sacrifice.

A moment of silence.

###