The US Air Force has identified eight crew members who died in a B-52 bomber crash near Edwards Air Force Base on June 15 during a radar modernization test mission.
The US Air Force has released the identities of eight crew members who were killed when aB-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed near Edwards Air Force Base on June 15 during a test mission.
Officials described the victims as a mix of military personnel and civilians involved in a radar modernization test program. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff, and an investigation into the cause is underway.
Air Force Describes Victims as “Irreplaceable Teammates”
In a statement released Wednesday, 412th Test Wing Commander Col. Thomas Tauer paid tribute to those killed, calling them “dedicated professionals” and “irreplaceable teammates.”
“These Airmen were more than coworkers. They were friends, mentors, teammates and valued members of our Edwards and Air Force family,” Tauer said. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their families and loved ones.”
Victims Identified in Fatal Crash
The US Air Force identified the eight victims as:
- Air Force Col. Gregory Watson, 53, weapon systems officer
- Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, weapon systems officer
- Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, pilot
- Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, weapon systems officer
- Maj. Robert Dee, 40, pilot
- Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, pilot
- Jeromy Smith, 32, flight test engineer
- Christopher Rischar, 41, flight test engineer
Officials said the crew included active-duty personnel, retirees, and civilian contractors working on the test flight.
Crash Occurred During Test Mission
The B-52 bomber was conducting a test mission supporting a radar modernization program when it went down shortly after departure from Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Base officials previously said the aircraft was part of a long-range strategic bomber platform used in advanced testing operations.
Families and Colleagues Pay Tribute
Loved ones and colleagues have begun paying tribute to the victims, remembering them as skilled professionals and devoted family members.
Former Air Force officer Michael Kelly described working closely with one of the victims, calling him “the best of the best” and highlighting his technical expertise and dedication.
Family members of another victim, Jeromy Smith, remembered him as a “hero” and “leader,” saying he died doing what he loved. Smith had recently celebrated his wedding anniversary days before the crash and leaves behind two children.
