The Pentagon has released the names of the six U.S. service members who died when a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II special operations tanker crashed in western Iraq on March 15, 2026. The aircraft, assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Wing, went down during a refueling mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the ongoing multinational campaign against the Islamic State.
The Department of Defense identified the deceased as: Maj. John R. Barnett, 35; Capt. Samuel H. Morgan, 32; Tech. Sgt. David L. Chen, 29; Staff Sgt. Marcus J. Rivera, 28; Senior Airman Lisa M. Park, 26; and Airman 1st Class Jordan T. Wright, 23. All were based at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom.
U.S. Central Command stated the crash is under investigation and there are no indications it was caused by enemy action. The incident marks one of the deadliest for U.S. forces in Iraq in recent years. The service members' remains have been recovered and the families have been notified.
Operation Inherent Resolve, which began in 2014, continues to involve U.S. and coalition forces in advisory and assist roles in Iraq and Syria. The crash underscores the persistent risks faced by personnel even as the mission's focus has shifted from direct combat to training and support for local forces.
