Sen. Katie Britt Attends Dignified Transfer of Six Fallen Airmen, Including Alabama's Maj. Alex Klinner

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R‑Ala.) joined President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John D. Caine, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R‑La.), Senator Tommy Tuberville (R‑Ala.), and other members of Congress at Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer of six American servicemembers killed last week during Operation Epic Fury. Among them was Alabama native Maj. Alex Klinner, whose loss has deeply touched communities across the state.

Maj. Klinner, 33, was an eight‑year U.S. Air Force veteran from Trussville and a proud graduate of Auburn University. A devoted husband to his wife, Libby, and father to three young children, he served multiple deployments in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2026. Over the course of his career, he logged 362 combat hours and 181 combat support hours, earning the respect of his peers and the gratitude of a nation.

Senator Britt said the solemn ceremony underscored the profound sacrifice made by Klinner and his fellow airmen.

"Attending the dignified transfer of Maj. Alex Klinner today was humbling and heartbreaking. In recent days, I've learned more about Maj. Klinner-the many lives he touched, the devoted family man he was, and his deep love of country," Britt said.

Maj. Klinner served alongside Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, both members of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing based at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham.

Capt. Savino, the Chief of Current Operations Pilot for the squadron, played a vital role in refueling missions that sustain U.S. operations around the world. She accumulated 348 combat hours across deployments in 2020 and 2026.

TSgt. Pruitt, a wife and mother, oversaw aircrew readiness, training, and flight operations. Her distinguished service included 888 combat flight hours over deployments in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2026.

Senator Britt emphasized that all three airmen were not only exceptional servicemembers but also integral members of the Alabama community.

"Capt. Savino and TSgt. Pruitt were dedicated servicemembers whose lives were tragically cut short in devoted service to their nation. They were part of our community and exemplified the very best of what it means to be an Alabamian," Britt said.

"Wesley and I will be forever grateful to Ariana, Ashley, and Alex for their exemplary service and ultimate sacrifice, and we ask that all Alabamians join us in continuing to pray for their families and loved ones during this unthinkable time."

Britt also honored the three additional airmen lost in the crash: Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio. All three served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio.

The six airmen were killed when their KC‑135 refueling aircraft went down over western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, marking one of the deadliest single‑incident losses for the Air Force in recent years.

As Alabama mourns the loss of Maj. Klinner, Capt. Savino, and TSgt. Pruitt, leaders across the state continue to highlight their courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to service. Their legacy, Britt said, will endure in the lives they touched and the freedoms they helped defend.