Identities released of those aboard B-52 bomber that crashed at Edwards Air Force Base

Air Force officials on Wednesday, June 17, identified the eight people who died at Edwards Air Force Base earlier this week when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed during a routine test flight.

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The flight was operated by a joint aircrew of active-duty airmen, government civilians and contractors working with the 419th Flight Test Squadron, part of the Global Power Bombers Combined Test Force. According to AirNav Systems, the bomber flew straight southwest and crashed almost immediately.

Those on board included:

• Col. Gregory Watson, 53, of Shreveport, Louisiana, a weapon systems officer from Boeing Shreveport, Louisiana

• Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, a weapon systems officer, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Detachment 5, Edwards AFB, California

• Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, of Tehachapi, a pilot from Boeing

• Major Alexander Davis, 34, of Lancaster, a weapon systems officer, 419th Flight Test Squadron

• Major Robert Dee, 40, a pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards Air Force Base

• Major Brad Hovey, 35, a pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB

• Jeromy Smith, 32, of Rosamond, a flight test engineer, 419th Flight Test Squadron

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• Christopher Rischar, 41, of Lancaster, a flight test engineer, JT4 contractor

“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I can share the names of the eight extraordinary Americans we lost during Monday’s B-52 crash,” Col. Thomas Tauer, 412th Test Wing Commander, said in a statement. “They were dedicated professionals, beloved family members and irreplaceable teammates. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with their families, loved ones, and fellow Airmen, Air Force civilians, and mission partners affected by this tragedy.”

The long-range bomber crashed just before noon on Monday, after lifting off for a routine test mission supporting the Radar Modernization Program, which focuses on extending the useful life of these 1955-era planes,  Col. James Hayes, the deputy commander for the 412 Test Wing, said Monday in a statement.

The aircraft have been used in U.S. conflicts from Vietnam to Iran. This one was headed southwest into prevailing winds and crashed back on the same 15,000-foot runway from which it took off, base officials have said.

“These airmen were more than coworkers. They were friends, mentors, teammates and valued members of our Edwards and Air Force family,” Tauer said. “Our immediate focus is supporting the families of the teammates we lost and ensuring that all appropriate resources are available to them during this time of unimaginable loss.”

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and say it could take up to six months to reach initial conclusions, officials said.

The airfield will remain closed until at least Thursday as cleanup continues, officials said, with flight test operations expected to resume early next week.

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