Governor Ivey Flag-Lowering Directive for Fallen Military Service Members

On Thursday, March 12, 2026, six United States military personnel lost their lives during an accident involving their KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft operating over western Iraq while in support of Operation Epic Fury.

Three of the six fallen military personnel served in the 99th Air Refueling Squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing located at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama.

Major John A. "Alex" Klinner of Trussville, Alabama; Captain Ariana G. Savino of Washington state; and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt of Kentucky lost their lives in service to their country.

To honor these brave military personnel made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America, Governor Ivey is directing all flags be lowered on the day of interment of Alabama native Major John A. Klinner. This flag memo will be updated once Maj. Klinner's date of interment is announced.

Governor Ivey's flag directive is attached to this email and linked here.

https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2026/03/flags-lowered-for-fallen-members-of-99th-air-refueling-squadron-117th-air-refueling-wing-sumpter-smith-joint-air-national-guard-base-birmingham-alabama/

"In accordance with Public Law 103-322, I hereby direct flags be displayed at half-staff on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol and all state-owned facilities to honor the lives and service of the three Alabama-based members of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, 117th Air Refueling Wing, Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama, who were tragically killed in the line of duty on March 12, 2026.

These brave airmen-Maj. John "Alex" Klinner, Capt. Ariana Savino, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt-served our state and nation with honor, courage, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the freedoms we hold dear. Their loss is felt deeply across Alabama, especially within the Birmingham community and our military family.

We mourn alongside their loved ones, their fellow airmen, and all who had the privilege of knowing them. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy of service will continue to inspire future generations of Alabamians.

Flags shall remain lowered until sunset on the day of their interment."