COVINGTON — A Central Washington University graduate with ties to Ellensburg is being remembered as a passionate aviator and role model after she was killed in a military aircraft crash in western Iraq earlier this month.
U.S. Air Force Capt. Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, was one of six airmen aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker that went down March 12 during a combat mission supporting U.S. operations related to the conflict with Iran. According to U.S. Central Command, the aircraft crashed in “friendly airspace” following an incident involving two aircraft.
All six service members on board were killed.
Savino’s connection to Ellensburg began during her time at Central Washington University, where she completed the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program before earning her commission in 2017. She was promoted to captain in 2021 and went on to serve at bases in Georgia and Mississippi, logging more than 300 combat flight hours.
In a statement, Savino’s family reflected on her life and the deep impact she had on those around her.
“We take comfort in knowing that Ariana died doing the one thing she loved the most—flying,” the family said. “Her smile would brighten every room she walked into, and her energy and laughter were nothing short of contagious.”
They described her as “fierce, brave, passionate,” adding that she was deeply loved by everyone she encountered.
Savino’s family said her dedication to aviation extended beyond her military service, as she worked to inspire others—particularly young people pursuing careers in flight.
“She made it her mission to be a role model for not only her brothers and sisters who served alongside her, but also the next generation of youth, women, and minorities with their hearts set on a career in aviation,” the statement said.
To honor her legacy, the family plans to establish an aviation scholarship aimed at supporting women and Latino youth pursuing careers in aviation.
Savino’s impact was also deeply felt by those who knew her growing up in Covington. Kierstyn Peterson, a former classmate at Kentwood High School, said Savino stood out even at a young age.
“When we were in ROTC, she was somebody that, she may have been younger, but I did look up to her a lot as an inspiration,” she said. “She most definitely was someone who made an impact; she will leave footsteps on your heart, that’s for sure,”
Peterson described Savino as driven and uplifting, someone who motivated others to succeed.
“She really loved her friends. She loved her school. She loved everybody that she was ever in contact with,”
She added that Savino took great pride in her heritage.
“She was very, very proud of being Puerto Rican,” Peterson explained, “She talked about her family and her heritage and traditions a lot.”
The loss has resonated not only in Covington but also in Ellensburg, where Savino spent formative years preparing for her military career.
“Everyone that we knew all from, gosh, my entire high school career, almost everybody knew her, all of us. And a lot of us still, a lot of everyone still lives in Covington,” Peterson said. “It’s so sad, I feel for their family and, you know, your heart breaks,”
Leaders across Washington also shared condolences and honored Savino’s service.
“I am heartbroken to learn about the passing of Capt. Ariana G. Savino from Washington state. I am deeply grateful for her courage and sacrifice in service to our country. Our servicemembers put their lives on the line to keep our country safe—remarkable women like Capt. Savino represent the absolute best of our state and country,” said Senator Patty Murray.
“I also want to express my sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Capt. Savino and join them in mourning her loss. I, of course, also extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of the other five brave Air Force Airmen we lost in this tragic incident. As we mourn the passing of these heroes, we must remember our commitment to honor them not only with words but by supporting the families they leave behind. The families and friends of Capt. Savino are in my thoughts during this difficult time,” Murray continued.
“I am heartbroken to learn that Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, was one of the brave service members who died in the plane crash over Iraq. Ariana chose a life of service for which I am profoundly grateful. I send my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones, and pray for the safety of all our service members,” said Rep. Kim Schrier.
“We mourn all of our nation’s heroes who make the ultimate sacrifice protecting us. It hits particularly close to home when those service members are from Washington state. May Ariana Savino rest in peace, may perpetual light shine upon her, and may her family and friends be comforted at this difficult time,” said Congressman Michael Baumgartner.
Savino’s family said her love of aviation will endure as part of her legacy.
“Ariana’s spirit will live on forever in the skies that she cherished.”
A fundraiser has been launched to support her family, and tributes have continued to pour in from fellow service members, instructors, and friends.
The five other airmen killed in the crash were identified as Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Alabama; Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Kentucky; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Indiana; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Ohio; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Ohio.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.