Kentucky airman among six killed in U.S. tanker aircraft crash
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
WASHINGTON (KBSI)— Six U.S. Air Force crew members were killed when a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed during operations in Iraq earlier this week, according to military officials.
The aircraft went down March 12 during Operation Epic Fury, and search and recovery efforts concluded the following day. Officials say the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
Among those killed was Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt of Bardstown, Kentucky. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear shared condolences following the news.
“My prayers are with the families of the six American service members killed in an aircraft crash in Iraq,” Beshear said. “They sacrificed everything serving our country.”
Military officials said the crew members came from two separate units.
Three of the airmen were assigned to the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, which operates out of Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama, but is administratively part of the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.
Those three airmen were identified as Alex, Ariana and Ashley.
The three other crew members were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing based in Ohio, according to military officials.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of these Airmen,” said Col. Ed Szczepanik, commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing. “Our thoughts are with their families, friends and loved ones.”
Officials say more information will be released as the investigation into the crash continues.
