S.Res. 663

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 663 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 663

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.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

March 26, 2026

Mr. Moreno (for himself and Mr. Husted) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

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.

Whereas, on March 12, 2026, a United States Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 
crashed in western Iraq during a refueling mission conducted as part of 
Operation Epic Fury;
Whereas all 6 servicemembers who were aboard the aircraft were killed in the 
crash;
Whereas Captain Seth R. Koval, Captain Curtis J. Angst, and Master Sergeant 
Tyler H. Simmons from the Ohio Air National Guard's 121st Air Refueling 
Wing were among those who lost their lives in the incident;
Whereas the people of Ohio are devastated by the loss of these brave airmen and 
mourn alongside their families, friends, and fellow servicemembers;
Whereas the 121st Air Refueling Wing maintains an exceptionally high operational 
tempo and has long been recognized for its readiness, professionalism, 
and ability to deploy rapidly in support of United States military 
operations around the world;
Whereas the 121st Air Refueling Wing was recently awarded the National Guard 
Association of the United States Distinguished Flying Unit plaque in 
recognition of its combat readiness, flying safety, and outstanding 
operational effectiveness;
Whereas the airmen of the 121st Air Refueling Wing were selected to be forward 
deployed in support of operations in the Middle East because their unit 
consistently demonstrates the highest levels of readiness and 
reliability;
Whereas the KC-135 plays a vital role in United States military operations by 
conducting mid-air refueling missions that allow fighter aircraft, 
bombers, and other military platforms to remain in the air longer and 
conduct missions across vast distances;
Whereas mid-air refueling is one of the most technically demanding and dangerous 
tasks performed in the United States Air Force, requiring extraordinary 
skill, discipline, and trust among pilots, boom operators, and their 
crews;
Whereas the boom operator aboard the KC-135 is responsible for carefully guiding 
the refueling boom to connect with another aircraft in flight and safely 
transfer thousands of pounds of aviation fuel, often operating with 
little margin for error;
Whereas the brave airmen aboard the KC-135 were performing this critical mission 
in support of ongoing United States military operations designed to 
defend United States interests at home and abroad;
Whereas these servicemembers gave their lives in defense of the freedoms and 
liberties of all Americans;
Whereas the servicemembers aboard the KC-135 were serving their country 
honorably and courageously in support of these operations when they made 
the ultimate sacrifice;
Whereas these airmen are patriotic American heroes who answered the call to 
serve and willingly placed themselves in harm's way to defend the United 
States and its allies;
Whereas the entire Nation mourns the loss of these airmen and stands united in 
prayer for their families, loved ones, and fellow airmen during this 
time of grief; and
Whereas the sacrifice of these brave airmen will never be forgotten by the 
people of Ohio or by a grateful Nation: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) honors the lives, service, and sacrifice of the Ohio 
Air National Guard airmen from the 121st Air Refueling Wing who 
were killed in the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq 
during Operation Epic Fury;
(2) expresses its deepest condolences to the families, 
friends, and fellow servicemembers mourning their loss;
(3) recognizes the critical role of the 121st Air Refueling 
Wing and all Air Force tanker crews who perform the difficult 
and dangerous mission of mid-air refueling in defense of the 
United States; and
(4) affirms that the people of the United States will 
always remember these brave airmen and remain grateful for 
their sacrifice in service to their Nation.
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