MONTGOMERY-On Thursday, March 12, 2026, six United States military personnel lost their lives during an accident involving their KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft operating over western Iraq while in support of Operation Epic Fury.
Three of the six fallen military personnel served in the 99th Air Refueling Squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing located at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama.
Major John A. “Alex” Klinner of Trussville, Alabama; Captain Ariana G. Savino of Washington state; and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt of Kentucky lost their lives in service to their country.
To honor these brave military personnel made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America, Governor Ivey is directing all flags be lowered on the day of interment of Alabama native Major John A. Klinner. This flag memo will be updated once Maj. Klinner’s date of interment is announced.
Governor Ivey’s flag directive is attached to this email and linked here.
Media Release/Office of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey
