An Alabama pilot who had been promoted to major just weeks ago was among the victims of an Air Force plane crash in Iraq this week.
All six crew members aboard the KC-135 Stratotanker died when the refueling aircraft came down Thursday.
It was supporting operations against Iran during Operation Epic Fury – the growing conflict between the U.S. and Iran which was launched by President Donald Trump at the end of February.
U.S. Central Command earlier said that the aircraft was in “friendly” airspace when an unspecified incident occurred, involving another plane. The second plane landed safely.
The Pentagon has yet to officially name the victims of the crash, but their families began to identify them publicly Saturday.
The Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refuelling Wing had confirmed late Friday via Facebook that three of the deceased were airmen from their Columbus-based unit.
The post 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 new major
Alex Klinner, a pilot from Birmingham, Alabama, had just been promoted to major in January and had been deployed less than a week when the fatal crash occurred, his brother-in-law, James Harrill, said Saturday while confirming his death.
Klinner was the father of twin seven-month-old children and also had a 2-year-old-son, said Harrill, of Atlanta, who helped set up a GoFundMe site for Klinner’s family.
“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 said.
An outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, Klinner was also ready to help others. When Harrill last saw him in January, Klinner had shoveled Harrill’s vehicle out of the snow during a family wedding.
“Alex was one of those guys that had this steady 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 due to hostile or friendly fire.”
The KC-135 aircraft refuels other planes in midair, allowing them to fly longer distances and sustain operations without landing. The plane can also be used to transport wounded personnel and conduct surveillance missions, according to military experts.
The Congressional Research Service says the Air Force had 376 KC-135s in 2025, including 151 on active duty, 163 in the Air National Guard and 62 in the Air Force Reserve. It has been in service for more than 60 years.
