March 13, 2026/

Four service members killed in KC-135 crash

Spread the love

By Morgan Sweeney
The Center Square

Four of six crew members have been confirmed dead as a result of Thursday’s crash of an American refueling tanker.

The details that have been released regarding the crash are few as of Friday morning. It involved two aircraft, was not the result of hostile or friendly fire and occurred in friendly airspace over western Iraq, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command. The KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed, while another aircraft was able to land safely.

It added in a subsequent post on X that “the circumstances of the incident are under investigation” and that the names of the service members will be withheld until families have been notified.

Gen. Dan Caine briefly addressed the incident at a Pentagon press briefing Friday morning.

“We’re still treating this as an active rescue and recovery operation, as CENTCOM announced this morning. Four airmen have been recovered, and the Air Force and US central command will provide updates as information becomes available,” Caine said. “Please keep these brave Airmen, their families, friends and units in your thoughts.”

Caine also said there had been a fire aboard the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford and that some had been injured.

“We’re thinking about the crew there who are injured in the fire. We believe and hope that everyone will be OK” Caine said, referring further questions to the Navy.

The KC-135 deaths bring the total number of Americans killed in the first 13 days of Operation Epic Fury to 10.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Council Approves Major Equipment Purchase, Awards Tree Removal Contracts

The Casey City Council authorized the purchase of a $191,537.50 hydro-vac truck and awarded contracts totaling more than $40,000 for tree and stump removal projects during Monday's meeting, while also...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Committee Maintains Chicken Ban, Advances Planning Initiatives

Casey city committees addressed livestock regulations and economic development planning during meetings held before Monday's council session, with decisions that will affect both residential regulations and long-term community growth. The...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Pond Project Installation: The valve structure for the park pond project arrived Tuesday with installation work beginning this week, continuing progress on the recreational facility enhancement. Sidewalk Bids Scheduled: Contractor...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Council Approves Union Contract, Issues Historic Founding Day Proclamation

The Casey City Council approved a tentative agreement with the ICOP Union and signed a proclamation commemorating the city's founding during Monday's meeting, while also advancing several business and infrastructure...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Schedules Public Input on Comprehensive Plan Update

Casey residents will have the opportunity to provide input on the city's comprehensive plan update during a public meeting scheduled for April 22nd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Economic Development...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Ordinance Changes Considered: Alderman Richardson reported a citizen inquiry about allowing chickens within city limits, with an ordinance committee meeting planned to discuss potential changes to current regulations. Emergency Sirens...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield Board Approves $4.5 Million Bond Issue with Local Banks

The Casey-Westfield School Board unanimously approved a $4.5 million bond issue for fire prevention, safety improvements, and building renovations during Monday's meeting, with financing arranged through three local banks at...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

Legislative Concerns and Athletic Policy Changes Address School Operations

Casey-Westfield school officials are monitoring state legislative developments that could affect district operations, while also adapting to new athletic association policies for private school competition. Superintendent Mike Shackelford alerted board...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS

Technology Infrastructure Critical: The 9-year-old junior/senior high server replacement was urgently needed due to memory loss, 95% capacity usage, and daily error codes threatening system failure. Local Banking Partnership: Three...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Approves Historical Society Parade, Adds Employee Medical Benefits

The Casey City Council formally approved the Casey Historical Society Parade for May 10th and enhanced employee benefits by adding AirMedCare membership during Monday's meeting, while also advancing comprehensive planning...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Advances Comprehensive Planning with Public Input Planned

Casey is moving forward with a comprehensive update to its long-range planning efforts, with public participation opportunities scheduled for April as the city works toward adopting a new comprehensive plan...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Summer Cleanup Scheduled: The annual city-wide cleanup will run June 7th through June 14th, with Utility Superintendent Biggs also announcing plans to advertise for summer help positions. Storm Response Active:...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Police Face Staffing Changes as Officer Resigns, New Recruit Advances

The Casey Police Department is navigating personnel transitions after an officer submitted his resignation, while a new recruit continues progressing through the academy, Chief Adam Henderson reported during Monday's city...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Economic Development Initiatives Gain Momentum in Casey

Casey's economic development efforts are expanding with multiple new programs and partnerships designed to boost the city's growth prospects, Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee announced during Monday's council meeting. Daughhetee...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Founder's Day Parade Planned: A Founder's Day Parade is being organized for May 10th following a request by Patty Richards during the public forum. A resolution authorizing the parade will...