A resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of Air Force Major John A. Klinner, Air Force Major Ariana G. Savino, Air Force Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, Air Force Captain Seth R. Koval, Air Force Captain Curtis J. Angst, and Air Force Master Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons.
Summary
S. Res. 660 is a Senate resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of six Air Force members who died in an accident involving a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft over western Iraq on March 12, 2026, while supporting Operation Epic Fury. The resolution names the fallen service members, identifies their home states and units, and recognizes their bravery and commitment to the United States. It also expresses condolences and gratitude to their Gold Star Families and loved ones.
The resolution further directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to the 99th Air Refueling Squadron at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama, and to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. As a simple Senate resolution, it does not create or amend statutory law, impose regulatory requirements, or appropriate funds; its effect is commemorative and ceremonial, reflecting official congressional recognition of the service members and their units.
Impact
S. Res. 660 does not change state law or federal statutory law. It is a nonbinding Senate resolution that formally honors deceased service members, conveys condolences, and arranges for transmission of the resolution to their affiliated Air National Guard units. Its practical impact is limited to public recognition and memorialization rather than legal or administrative changes affecting agencies, residents, or regulated parties.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution is strongly supportive and solemn. The Senate agreed to it by unanimous consent, without amendment, indicating broad bipartisan respect for the fallen service members and no recorded opposition. The language of the resolution emphasizes gratitude, sacrifice, and remembrance, consistent with a commemorative measure intended to honor military service and loss.
Contention
There is no notable substantive contention in the available record. Because the resolution is honorary and was adopted without amendment by unanimous consent, no disagreements are reflected in the bill text, voting history, or committee materials provided. Any discussion would likely have centered on the appropriateness of the tribute and the circumstances of the fatal accident, rather than on policy disputes.
Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the lying in state of the remains of Air Force Major John A. Klinner, Captain Ariana G. Savino, Captain Seth R. Koval, Captain Curtis J. Angst, Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, and Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons.
A resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of the Ohio Air National Guard airmen who were killed in the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury.
Posthumously honoring the life and service of United States Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Eugene J. Darrigan who was laid to rest in his hometown of Wappingers Falls, New York, on May 24, 2025
Posthumously honoring the life and service of United States Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Eugene J. Darrigan who was laid to rest in his hometown of Wappingers Falls, New York, on May 24, 2025