Edwards Air Force Base in California has released the names of the eight individuals who died in the B-52 Stratofortress crash on Monday. Col. Thomas Tauer stated, "It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I can now share the names of the eight extraordinary Americans we lost during Monday’s B-52 crash." The deceased are Col. Gregory Watson, 53; Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40; retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50; Maj. Alexander Davis, 34; Maj. Robert Dee, 40; Maj. Brad Hovey, 35; Jeromy Smith, 32; and Christopher Rischar, 41. Boeing confirmed that two of the crew members were employees of the company.
Tauer expressed condolences, stating, "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 names were released after a 24-hour waiting period following notification of the families, in accordance with Department of War policy.
The crash occurred shortly after 11:20 a.m. local time on a runway at Edwards Air Force Base. Flight tracking data indicated that the bomber descended at a rate of 5,056 feet per minute, significantly faster than typical landing speeds. The crew was conducting a test flight related to the aircraft’s radar modernization program at the time of the incident.
The airfield is currently closed, and an investigation into the crash is ongoing, with the cause yet to be determined. Col. James Hayes noted that the investigation may take up to six months, and it remains uncertain if the newly installed radar system played a role in the crash.