Air Force Posthumously Promotes Captain Ariana Savino

0:00On this March 20th in Birmingham, here's what is making headlines. The Air Force has posthumously promoted Captain Ariana Savino to the rank of major after she died in a KC-135 refueling plane crash in. Iraq on March 12th, the 31-year-old pilot was one of six airmen killed in the accident. Her promotion took effect on January 23rd. Savino served with the 99th air refueling squadron, linked to the 117th air refueling wing in Birmingham, Alabama, and was also assigned to the six air refueling wing at McDeal Air Force Base in Florida. She earned her wings as a KC-135 pilot in 2025 at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi after starting as a combat systems officer. She commissioned in 2017 through Reserve Officer Training Corps at Central Washington University and trained at Robbins Air Force Base in. Georgia. Known for her determination, she deployed twice and mentored others. Two other victims, technical sergeant Ashley Pruitt and major John Alex Cleaner, had Alabama

1:05connections. Family and colleagues remember her as a trailblazer and role model with a strong commitment to her team. The crash highlighted the risks these crews face on missions. President Donald Trump and Alabama Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville honored the fallen as their flag draped coffins arrived at Dover Air. Air Force Base in Delaware this week, a solemn tribute to their service.