Four service members killed in KC-135 crash

Four service members killed in KC-135 crash

March 13, 2026/
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

U.S. cut 92,000 jobs in 'dismal' February report, unemployment 4.4%

U.S. cut 92,000 jobs in ‘dismal’ February report, unemployment 4.4%

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. economy lost 92,000 jobs in February, a significant cut after January saw a better-than-expected report, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The...
Will County Board Federal Agenda

Board Splits Along Party Lines to Approve 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board adopted its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda in a 10-9 vote, establishing the county's priorities for lobbying efforts...
Turmoil in Texas: Concerns for Paxton to drop out, Gonzales drops reelection bid

Turmoil in Texas: Concerns for Paxton to drop out, Gonzales drops reelection bid

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Within two days of the March primary election, two high-profile races are already in turmoil. Republican leaders are taking actions to keep the seats red,...
HHS and DOC announce nutrition education initiative for medical schools

HHS and DOC announce nutrition education initiative for medical schools

By Emily RodriguezThe Center Square Nutrition education for medical students will become more prominent in curriculum beginning this upcoming fall. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F....
Target sued for checking arrest records of new hires: Class action

Target sued for checking arrest records of new hires: Class action

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square CHICAGO — Target has been hit by a new class action lawsuit accusing it of violating Illinois state law by conducting criminal...
Farm bill, with changes, heads to U.S. House for vote

Farm bill, with changes, heads to U.S. House for vote

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square After more than 22 hours of debate, the Agriculture Committee in the House of Representatives voted early Thursday morning to advance the Farm, Food, and...
Agency improves license processing times; PA leader calls for modernization

Agency improves license processing times; PA leader calls for modernization

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation says it has reduced the average processing time for...
These are the members of Congress who voted against disclosing sexual harassment claims

These are the members of Congress who voted against disclosing sexual harassment claims

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Nearly all members of Congress, 357 Republicans and Democrats, don’t want taxpayers to know which members have used taxpayer funds to pay sexual harassment claims....
House Republicans re-pass DHS funding bill in symbolic vote

House Republicans re-pass DHS funding bill in symbolic vote

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The U.S. House re-passed the 2026 Homeland Security funding bill in a symbolic vote Thursday, amping up pressure on Democrats as DHS remains shuttered while...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker to Noem: 'Don't let the door hit you'

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker to Noem: ‘Don’t let the door hit you’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s legacy is corruption and chaos. In...
Trump's newest tariff program won't raise nearly as much money

Trump’s newest tariff program won’t raise nearly as much money

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's newest tariffs, which already face a legal challenge in court, could increase deficits by $1.6 billion over the next decade, if they...
Legal experts: Supreme Court should decide energy policy framework over climate lawsuits

Legal experts: Supreme Court should decide energy policy framework over climate lawsuits

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in the fall over a case to decide whether states can sue fossil fuel companies for damages related...
Judge orders tariff refunds, but Friday's hearing could set course

Judge orders tariff refunds, but Friday’s hearing could set course

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The government must refund more than $130 billion in tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump's unconstitutional tariff regime, even to those who did not file...
Iran War Powers resolution fails in House

Iran War Powers resolution fails in House

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Congressional efforts to halt the U.S. military’s operations in Iran have now failed twice, with the U.S. House tanking a War Powers Resolution only a...
WATCH: Democratic officials sue Trump over new tariff

WATCH: Democratic officials sue Trump over new tariff

By Dave MasonThe Center Square Democratic attorneys general across the U.S. sued the Trump administration Thursday to stop the implementation of a new 15% global tariff under Section 122 of...