It is with a heavy heart and immense sadness that I write to inform you that the U.S. Air Force has officially released the names of the eight crewmembers who lost their lives in the B-52 accident at Edwards AFB, California, on Monday, June 15.
With deep sorrow, we recognize the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen comrades. Among the crew were two SETP Members.
The crewmembers have been identified as:
- Col. Gregory Watson, 53, weapon systems officer, Boeing (Air Force reservist, assigned 10th Air Force, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas), Shreveport, La.
- Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, weapon systems officer, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Detachment 5, Edwards AFB, Calif.
- Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, pilot, Boeing, Tehachapi, Calif.
- Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, weapon systems officer, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Lancaster, Calif.
- Maj. Robert Dee, 40, pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, Calif. (Provisional Associate Member SETP)
- Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, Calif. (Provisional Associate Member SETP)
- Jeromy Smith, 32, flight test engineer, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Rosamond, Calif.
- Christopher Rischar, 41, flight test engineer, JT4 contractor, Lancaster, Calif.
Our Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) and Family Support teams have been active since the accident occurred. They are currently on the ground providing dedicated support to the families, friends, and co-workers of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time.
Many within our community have already stepped forward and volunteered to help. We are deeply grateful for this outreach, and we will contact the membership if further assistance or support is needed in any way.
We honor the courage, professionalism, and sacrifice of our comrades. Please keep their loved ones and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers.
Kelly Latimer (F)
President, SETP