Major Alex Klinner Killed in KC-135 Crash in Iraq — 33-Year-Old Father of Three Was Deployed Less Than a Week
Six American airmen are dead. The KC-135 Stratotanker that went down Thursday in western Iraq took with it a newly promoted major from Birmingham, a boom operator from Columbus, and four other servicemembers whose families are still in the process of being notified. Maj. Alex Klinner was 33 years old. His twins were seven months old.
What Happened Over Western Iraq
Six U.S. service members were killed after a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq on Thursday. The U.S. military said the incident was "not due to hostile fire or friendly fire."
The aircraft was in friendly airspace, supporting operations against Iran, when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft occurred, according to U.S. Central Command. The other plane landed safely.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility — a claim U.S. Central Command has not confirmed. This is the fourth reported aircraft loss since the Iran war began.
Alex Klinner: Promoted in January, Deployed Less Than a Week
Klinner had just been promoted to major in January and had been deployed less than a week when the crash occurred. He was an eight-year Air Force veteran.
His wife Libby posted on Instagram: "On March 12, our world shattered. I'm devastated to lose the best person I know — the person who made everything more fun, my best friend. But even more so, my heart is broken for our three kids who will grow up not knowing him."
Klinner leaves behind three young children: 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son. He had just moved his family into a new home.
Brother-in-law James Harrill confirmed his death Saturday. "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. "Alex was one of those guys that had this steady command about him. He was literally one of the most kindest, giving people."
Three Members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine confirmed that three of the six service members killed in the crash were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing, part of the Ohio Air National Guard based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.
Among the Ohio dead was Technical Sgt. Tyler Simmons, a boom operator and graduate of Eastmoor Academy in Columbus. His family said in a statement: "Tyler's smile could light up any room, his strong presence would fill it." His mother, Cheryl Simmons, confirmed Saturday she was already making funeral arrangements.
The 121st Air Refueling Wing posted: "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."
What a KC-135 Does — and Why It Matters
The KC-135 Stratotanker refuels other aircraft 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.
The Air Force had 376 KC-135s in service last year — 151 on active duty, 163 in the Air National Guard, and 62 in the Air Force Reserve. The aircraft has been in service for more than 60 years.
5,000 Additional Troops Heading to the Middle East
Approximately 5,000 additional Marines and sailors will be deploying to the Middle East, according to three U.S. officials. The announcement came the same day families began identifying the dead from Thursday's crash.
The Pentagon has not yet released the official identities of all six crew members. A GoFundMe fundraiser for the Klinner family has been established by Harrill and can be found by searching Alex Klinner on GoFundMe.
