Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Puerto Rican descent, was among the six crew members of a KC-135 Stratotanker tanker that crashed on March 12 during a combat mission in western Iraq .
The tragedy occurred after an incident involving two aircraft in “friendly airspace,” confirmed the U.S. Central Command, which oversees Operation “Epic Fury” in the Middle East, where some 13 military personnel have died.
In addition to Savino, the aircraft was carrying Major John A. Klinner, 33, of Alabama; Technical Sergeants Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Kentucky, and Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Ohio; and Captains Seth R. Koval, 38, of Indiana, and Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Ohio.
“We honor the life and service of Captain Ariana Savino, a pilot in the United States Air Force, who lost her life in the line of duty aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during a mission in Iraq,” said Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez.
In a written statement, the governor affirmed that Savino’s career reflects the commitment, courage, and dedication of Puerto Ricans who serve with pride both on and off the island. She added that his legacy will live on in the example he set for future generations.
“Those close to her describe her as ‘a mentor to Latino youth,’ ‘a source of positive energy,’ and ‘very proud to be Puerto Rican.’ We join in the grief that overwhelms her family and loved ones at this irreparable loss. May she rest in peace,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the captain. “My team is working closely with military partners to issue that order for the day of her funeral,” he said.
For her part, Kierstyn Peterson , Savino’s former classmate, indicated that the captain “was very, very proud to be Puerto Rican,” and that she frequently spoke “about her family, her Puerto Rican heritage and traditions” that her parents instilled in her.
In an interview with KOMO-TV, one of the highest-rated news programs in Seattle, Washington, Peterson added that Savino “was like a magnet. Everyone was drawn to her.”
“She inspired and motivated others with just a smile… And she had a very contagious laugh,” he explained.
Likewise, retired Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Nisperos , a friend and mentor of Savino in the Air Force, shared a written statement issued by the captain’s family, highlighting that they are comforted to know that she died doing what she loved.
“We take comfort in knowing that Ariana died doing the one thing she loved most: flying. Her smile would light up every room she entered, and her energy and laughter were nothing short of contagious. She was fierce, courageous, passionate, and deeply loved by everyone who crossed her path during her short time on earth ,” the family said.
In that regard, Savino’s relatives stated that she dedicated her life to a career she loved and set out to be an example not only for her fellow service members, but also for the new generation of young people and women with a vocation in aviation.
“In the coming months, we will be honoring his memory with an aviation scholarship for Latino women and youth. We find comfort in hearing stories from his friends, family, and anyone whose life he touched along his journey,” the family said.
“We ask that you keep in your thoughts and prayers not only our family, but also the family, friends, and loved ones of others involved in this tragedy. Ariana’s spirit will live forever in the heavens she loved,” they stated.
To create the Ariana G. Savino Aviation Scholarship Fund, the family launched a fundraising campaign—aiming to raise $90,000—through the GoFundMe platform . So far, they have raised a total of $87,094.
According to the description included on the fundraising platform, part of the money will also go towards supporting her parents Darren and Omayra, her siblings Kelaia and Zevin, and her dogs Zoey and Piper, “as they go through the next chapter of their lives.”
Savino was a pilot with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron and served as head of current operations. She was responsible for the flight hour program and managing the daily flight schedule, among other duties.
She also completed the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program at Central Washington University, earning her active duty commission in 2017. She subsequently served at bases in Georgia and Mississippi, accumulating over 300 combat flight hours. She was promoted to captain in 2021.
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Captain Ariana G. Savino, a native of Washington state. I am deeply grateful for her courage and sacrifice in service to our country,” said U.S. Senator Patty Murray (Washington).
“Our service members risk their lives to keep us safe, and extraordinary women like Captain Savino represent the best of our state and our nation,” said Murray, who expressed his condolences to the family.
