Pentagon Identifies Fallen KC-135 Crew: Alabama Pilot Leaves Three Young Children Behind

A KC-135 Stratotanker crash in western Iraq has claimed the lives of six U.S. service members including three airmen from the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing. The aircraft was supporting operations against Iranian-backed forces when an unspecified incident with another aircraft occurred. The Pentagon has not officially released names but families confirmed the deaths Saturday. Among the fallen was 33-year-old Alabama Air Force veteran Alex Klinner who had just been promoted to major in January. Klinner leaves behind 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son. His brother-in-law James Harrill described him as “one of the most kindest, giving people” who had recently shoveled Harrill’s vehicle out of snow during a family wedding. Sgt. Tyler Simmons of Columbus Ohio was also identified by his mother Cheryl Simmons. “Tyler’s smile could light up any room,” his family said in a statement to WCMH-TV. The KC-135 is a critical aerial refueling platform that enables extended flight operations. The Congressional Research Service reports the Air Force operates 376 KC-135s including 151 on active duty 163 in the Air National Guard and 62 in the Reserve. The crash occurred during a combat mission over “friendly” territory and is under investigation. U.S. Central Command stated it was “not due to hostile or friendly fire.” The 121st Air Refueling Wing posted on Facebook: “We share in the sorrow of their loved ones” noting the “valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country.”

Words by Zara Blackwood (Rapid Response Intelligence Analyst).