COVINGTON, Wash. — The family of U.S. Air Force Capt. Ariana Savino is remembering the Washington pilot as a passionate aviator and role model after she was among six service members killed when a military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq.
Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington, was one of six airmen aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker that went down Mar. 12 during a combat mission supporting U.S. operations related to the conflict with Iran. U.S. Central Command said the aircraft crashed in “friendly airspace” following an incident involving two aircraft.
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Savino and five other crew members were killed in the crash.
In a statement shared with media, Savino’s family said they take comfort in knowing she died doing what she loved most.
“We take comfort in knowing that Ariana died doing the one thing she loved the most—flying,” the family said. “Her smile would brighten every room she walked into, and her energy and laughter were nothing short of contagious.”
They described Savino as “fierce, brave, passionate,” adding that she was deeply loved by everyone she encountered.
Savino’s family said she dedicated her life to aviation and military service. A graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Central Washington University, she earned her active-duty commission in 2017 and was promoted to captain in 2021. She served at bases in Georgia and Mississippi and logged more than 300 combat flight hours.
Her family said she also sought to inspire others, particularly women and young people pursuing aviation careers.
“She made it her mission to be a role model for not only her brothers and sisters who served alongside her, but also the next generation of youth, women, and minorities with their hearts set on a career in aviation,” the statement said.
To honor her legacy, the family said they plan to establish an aviation scholarship in the coming months for women and Latino youth.
They also encouraged those who knew Savino to continue sharing memories of her life and impact, stating, “We find comfort in hearing stories from her friends, family, and anybody whose life she touched along her journey.”
The family asked that people keep all those affected by the crash in their thoughts.
Savino’s family said her passion for aviation will remain part of her legacy.
“Ariana’s spirit will live on forever in the skies that she cherished.”
Over the weekend, many took to social media expressing their shock and sadness over Savino’s passing, including former flight instructors in the Air Force and those who knew her personally.
That includes Kierstyn Peterson, who bonded with Savino during their years at Kentwood High School in Covington, as the two took on the rigors of Junior ROTC.
“She most definitely was someone who made an impact; she will leave footsteps on your heart, that’s for sure,” she said as she reflected on Savino, who was a year younger than her in high school. “Today I could hear her laugh, over and over again, and she had a very contagious laugh,” Frederick added, recalling the memories they shared as teens.
Frederick says that Savino was an uplifting spirit who always wanted to excel and motivate others to do better.
She stated that Savino was very proud of her Puerto Rican heritage, and felt that it was important to represent her family in ROTC, and eventually the armed forces.
“And it’s just sad to see those that you’re like, oh, those are people part of my community, that’s from where my home was, it’s so sad,” Peterson said, “I feel for their family and, you know, your heart breaks.”
Government officials also provided their statements on Savino’s passing.
“I am heartbroken to learn about the passing of Capt. Ariana G. Savino from Washington state. I am deeply grateful for her courage and sacrifice in service to our country. Our servicemembers put their lives on the line to keep our country safe—remarkable women like Capt. Savino represent the absolute best of our state and country,” said Senator Patty Murray.
“I also want to express my sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Capt. Savino and join them in mourning her loss. I, of course, also extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of the other five brave Air Force Airmen we lost in this tragic incident. As we mourn the passing of these heroes, we must remember our commitment to honor them not only with words but by supporting the families they leave behind. The families and friends of Capt. Savino are in my thoughts during this difficult time,” Murray continued.
8th District Rep. Kim Schrier stated, “I am heartbroken to learn that Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, was one of the brave service members who died in the plane crash over Iraq. Ariana chose a life of service for which I am profoundly grateful. I send my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones, and pray for the safety of all our service members.”
Congressman Michael Baumgartner said, “We mourn all of our nation’s heroes who make the ultimate sacrifice protecting us. It hits particularly close to home when those service members are from Washington state. May Ariana Savino rest in peace, may perpetual light shine upon her, and may her family and friends be comforted at this difficult time.”
The following Air Force Airmen died in the crash, along with Savino:
- Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Alabama
- Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Kentucky
- Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Indiana
- Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30 of Ohio
- Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28 of Ohio
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
