Wilmington man killed in military refueling crash in Iraq

The deaths brought the number of American service members killed in the U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran to at least 13.

Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, was assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus.

Capt. Seth Koval, 38, was assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, was assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing.

The DOD identified the other casualties as Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Ala.; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Wash.; and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Ky.

Mary Angst, his wife, posted a statement from the Angst family on her Facebook page, saying in part: “Curtis lived a life defined by service, generosity, and a genuine love for people. He was dedicated to serving his country. He deeply valued the people he had the privilege to serve alongside.”

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said on the social media site X: “I have been advised by Ohio’s adjutant general that three of the six service members killed during the air 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 ordered all American and Ohio flags to be flown at half-staff on all public buildings and grounds statewide.

The flags will remain lowered until sunset on the day of their funerals.

“These heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country — putting the safety and security of their fellow Americans above themselves,“ U.S. Sen. Jon Husted of Ohio said. ”We will always remember these service members’ noble mission to protect the homeland and the sacred freedom of America."

“This week, Ohio lost three of its bravest sons,” Ohio’s fellow U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno said on X. “Curtis Angst, Tyler Simmons, and Seth Koval are American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. They put their lives on the line for our country, and we will be forever in their debt.”

“As a nation and community we mourn the tragic loss of U.S. servicemen killed in the Middle East,” U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, said on X. “These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, and their dedication will never be forgotten.”

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of six National Guard airmen in Iraq this week. This tragedy hits especially close to home as three of these brave airmen served with the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing out of Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base,” said state Sen. Michele Reynolds, R-Canal Winchester.

“Their courage and service to our nation will not be forgotten,” she added.

A statement from U.S. Central Command, whose area of responsibility includes the Middle East, said all six crew members aboard the KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are confirmed deceased. The aircraft was lost while flying over uncontested air space Thursday during “Operation Epic Fury.”

The loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire, the command said.

For the 121st, taking part in overseas air expeditionary missions are a regular part of life, the wing says on its website.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the tragic news of the passing of three airmen from the 121st Air Refueling Wing,” the wing said in a Facebook post. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and fellow airmen who mourn their loss.”

“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,” the wing added. “Additionally, we ask that you respect the family’s wishes and provide them with space to mourn their loved ones during this difficult time.”

The CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show noted that the KC-135 has been a showgoer favorite attraction for years.

“We have been honored to work with the brave men and women of the 121st for many years, hosting KC-135s many times, to the great delight of our fans,” the show said on Facebook.