The United States Air Force has released the names of the eight people who lost their lives in the recent B-52 Stratofortress crash near Edwards Air Force Base. The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff while conducting a routine test mission supporting the bomber’s radar modernization program.
The victims included active-duty airmen, a reservist, and civilian aerospace professionals. Among those killed were pilots Maj. Robert Dee, Maj. Brad Hovey, retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton of Boeing, weapon systems officers Col. Gregory Watson, Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, and Maj. Alexander Davis, along with flight test engineers Jeromy Smith and Christopher Rischar.
In a statement, Thomas Tauer described the victims as “dedicated professionals, beloved family members and irreplaceable teammates.” The tragedy has deeply affected the Edwards Air Force Base community, as colleagues, friends, and families mourn the loss of eight experienced aviation professionals.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. An Air Force investigation board has begun examining the accident, a process that could take several months. The incident is being described as the deadliest B-52 accident since 1982.