WASHINGTON — Gov. Bob Ferguson has ordered flags at state agency facilities to be flown at half-staff Friday in honor of U.S. Air Force Maj. Ariana Savino of Covington.
Savino, 31, died March 12 in an incident in western Iraq while on active duty.
Ferguson said that flags will remain lowered until the close of business or sunset Friday. The directive also asks state offices to notify facilities across Washington.
Other government agencies, businesses and individuals are encouraged to take part in the tribute.
Savino served with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron. U.S. Central Command reported she was aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker in what it described as “friendly airspace” when it crashed after an unspecified incident involving another U.S. aircraft.
The second aircraft landed safely, according to U.S. Central Command.
Authorities also identified five other aviators killed in the crash:
Maj. John “Alex” Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama
Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky
Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana
Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio
Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio.