U.S. Air Force · United States 
Tyler H. Simmons
Technical Sergeant
2026
Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons served the 166th Air Refueling Squadron, 121st Air Refueling Wing for 8 years. Tyler served in the Iran War.
How They Died
Manner
Combat Death
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
Circumstance
Killed in action
Place
Iraq
What Happened
Lost with the crew of Zeus 95 when their KC-135 Stratotanker went down over friendly airspace in western Iraq on 12 March 2026, during Operation EPIC FURY. A second tanker was involved in the incident and landed safely. Central Command states the loss was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.
Biography
Tyler Simmons was a native of Columbus, Ohio, and a boom operator of the 166th Air Refueling Squadron with eight years' service. He deployed three times to Central Command, on Operations FREEDOM SENTINEL, SPARTAN SHIELD, INHERENT RESOLVE, DELIBERATE RESOLVE and EPIC FURY, logging 230 combat hours. In April 2023 he refuelled a C-17 Globemaster over Ohio on a teacher orientation flight, showing civilians the work his wing does. His father said he loved airplanes and always had plans for joining the Air Force.
Survivors
His father and his family.
Service Record
U.S. Air Force
KC-135 boom operator
Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio
2018 – 2026
Passed fuel to receiving aircraft in flight, and flew aeromedical, cargo and passenger missions. Deployed three times to Central Command on Operations FREEDOM SENTINEL, SPARTAN SHIELD, INHERENT RESOLVE, DELIBERATE RESOLVE and EPIC FURY, logging 230 combat hours. Aircrew of Zeus 95.
Conflicts
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01kzghpvj4dkycfrxcxd6b769w
Record added
August 8, 2026
neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by
neuraweb.nw
Last updated
September 11, 2026
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Tyler. Claim this record.
Be the first to honor Tyler.
Leave a Tribute