Gov. Mike DeWine said three of the six crew members killed in the Iraq tanker crash were from Ohio.
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“The Adjutant General of Ohio informed me that three of the six service members killed during an aerial refueling mission in Iraq were Ohioans deployed with the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing. Fran and I are deeply saddened by this news and offer our sincere condolences to their families,” DeWine said in a social media post.
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Our media partner WBNS-10 TV identified one of the crew members as Tyler Simmons of Columbus.
He is a pilot with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus.
The 121st Air Refueling Wing released a statement Friday about the deaths:
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of the passing of three 121st Air Refueling Wing pilots. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and Airmen who mourn their loss on March 12, 2026 aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker “We express our condolences to their loved ones, and we cannot forget the valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they have left on our organization. Additionally, we ask that you respect the wishes of their families and allow them the space to mourn their loved ones during this difficult time.”
Senator Jon Husted issued a statement regarding the fatal fueling incident:
“Tina and I were heartbroken to learn of the deaths of six National Guard airmen, including three Ohio Air National Guard members, in the crash of a U.S. KC-135. These heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country – putting the safety and security of their fellow Americans above themselves. We will always remember these service members for their noble mission to protect our country and America’s sacred freedoms.”
Please join me in praying for their families and loved ones as they mourn this unimaginable loss. As our service members continue to fly the flag of freedom around the globe, may they continue to carry out the just missions for which these heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice.
God bless our troops. “
As previously reported, a KC-135 crashed Thursday in friendly airspace in western Iraq while supporting Operation Epic Fury.
The plane did not crash due to enemy or friendly fire.
The second plane was damaged but landed safely.
News Center 7 is working to learn the identities of the two other Ohioans killed in the crash.
The accident remains under investigation.
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