A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashes just after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California on Monday, June 15, 2026

The United States Air Force on Wednesday released the names of the eight people killed when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards during a routine test mission Monday.

“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,” Col. Thomas Tauer, 412th Test Wing Commander, told workers and families at Edwards AFB. “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,” Tauer said.

(Courtesy U.S. Air Force)

The names were released following a 24-hour waiting period after all next of kin notifications were completed, in accordance with Department of War policy.

The fallen Team Edwards members are:

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, Louisiana

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

Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, pilot, Boeing, Tehachapi, California

Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, weapon systems officer, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Lancaster, California

Maj. Robert Dee, 40, pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, California

Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, California

Jeromy Smith, 32, flight test engineer, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Rosamond, California

Christopher Rischar, 41, flight test engineer, JT4 contractor, Lancaster, California

“These Airmen were more than coworkers. They were friends, mentors, teammates and valued members of our Edwards and Air Force family,” Tauer said.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortess receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 22, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo)

“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.”

WATCH: New video from near the crash site shows intense fire and thick black smoke following the reported B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base. pic.twitter.com/o8VTDK9h1c

— Scope Report (@ScopeReport_) June 15, 2026

The crash is currently under investigation by an Interim Safety Investigation Board, and the airfield is closed until further notice.

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‘Huge explosion’: Watch U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crash just after takeoff in California