8 Victims Identified After Deadly B-52 Crash at California Air Force Base

Edwards Air Force Base in California released the names of the eight people killed when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed June 15 during a routine test mission.

Among the victims were active duty members of the U.S. Air Force, Boeing employees, and a government contractor.

Col. Gregory Watson, 53, was a weapon systems officer working for Boeing and an Air Force reservist.

Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, was a retired pilot working for Boeing.

Christopher Rischar, 41, was a flight test engineer with JT4, a military contractor.

Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, was a weapon systems officer with the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center.

Maj. Robert Dee, 40, was a pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron.

Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, was a pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron.

Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, was a weapon systems officer with the 419th Flight Test Squadron.

Jeromy Smith, 32, was a flight test engineer with the 419th Flight Test Squadron.

“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I can now share the names of the eight extraordinary Americans we lost during Monday’s B-52 crash,” Col. Thomas Tauer, 412th Test Wing Commander, told workers and families at Edwards Air Force Base, according to a statement. “They were dedicated professionals, beloved family members and irreplaceable teammates.”

“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with their families, loved ones and fellow Airmen, Air Force civilians and mission partners affected by this tragedy,” Tauer said.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) posted on the crash.

“As more details emerge from the tragic B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base, we learned that this tragedy has sadly touched our Shreveport-Bossier community. Col. Gregory Watson of Haughton, a weapons systems officer, Air Force reservist, and a beloved member of our community was a victim of this terrible crash,” Johnson wrote on X June 17. “Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, weapon systems officer, formerly served at Barksdale and was also a victim this great tragedy. Our prayers and deepest condolences are with the families, friends, and fellow service members of these patriots.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and acting Gov. Monique Limon also released a statement on Wednesday.

“We join the country in mourning the loss of these eight brave Americans,” the statement said. “Their service, dedication, and commitment to our nation’s defense will not be forgotten. As we grieve this tragedy, we honor their lives, their contributions to our country, and the families, friends, colleagues, and communities who now carry this profound sorrow. California stands with the men and women of Edwards Air Force Base, the United States Air Force, and all those affected by this devastating accident.”