The U.S. Department of Defense has identified the six service members who died when a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in Iraq on Thursday, March 13, 2026. The aircraft went down in a non-combat related incident near Al Asad Air Base in western Anbar province.
Among those killed was Captain John "J.T." Smith, 32, of Covington, Washington, a pilot assigned to the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base. The Pentagon confirmed the identities of all six airmen, who were part of a routine aerial refueling mission supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. U.S. Central Command stated there is no indication the aircraft was engaged by enemy forces. The incident marks one of the deadliest non-combat aviation losses for the U.S. military in Iraq in recent years.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin offered condolences to the families, stating, "We mourn the tragic loss of these Airmen who served our nation with honor." The crash is a stark reminder of the persistent dangers faced by U.S. forces deployed in the region.
