B-52 Stratofortress Crash Claims Eight Lives
Edwards Air Force Base has identified the eight individuals who lost their lives in the recent B-52 Stratofortress crash.
In a statement released on Wednesday, details regarding those who perished were shared:
- Weapon Systems Officers: Colonel Gregory Watson (53), Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella (40), and Major Alexander Davis (34).
- Pilots: Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton (50), Maj. Robert Dee (40), and Maj. Brad Hovey (35).
- Flight Test Engineers: Jeromy Smith (32) and Christopher Richard (41).
Davis, Dee, Hovey, and Smith were all part of the 419th Test Squadron. Watson served as a Reserve officer at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, while Middleton was based in Tehachapi, California, and worked for Boeing. Estrella was with the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center located at Edwards, and Richard was contracted through JT4.
The incident occurred on Monday when the bomber was executing a routine test mission shortly after takeoff. The base adhered to Department of the Army protocols and waited 24 hours before disclosing the names to ensure all families were informed first.
“These Airmen were more than just colleagues; they were friends, mentors, teammates, and valued members of the Edwards and Air Force families,” expressed Col. Thomas Tauer, the 412th Test Wing Commander. “Our immediate focus is to support the families of our lost teammates and ensure they have access to all appropriate resources during this time of unimaginable loss,” he added.
The airfield remains closed until further notice as investigations are underway by the Interim Safety Investigation Board.
The B-52, recognized for its long-range capabilities, is designed to carry both nuclear and conventional military payloads, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.
