Wednesday brought a moment of national grief to Delaware. At Dover Air Force Base, the remains of six American military personnel arrived on home soil, escorted by their commander-in-chief. The six died when a KC-135 aerial refueling plane went down in western Iraq the week before.
Donald Trump, dressed in a black overcoat, stood in silence as flag-covered coffins were unloaded from the transport aircraft. He saluted each one. Pete Hegseth, the Defense Secretary, and Dan Caine, the country's top military officer, flanked the president. No statement was made to the press. Families had asked for a private farewell, and cameras were kept away.
13 American troops have now lost their lives since the US and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran. The six from Wednesday's ceremony died in the KC-135 crash. A second plane involved in the same event was damaged but touched down safely with its crew.
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The first six deaths came earlier. On the war's second day, a drone struck an American command facility in Kuwait. Trump flew to Dover on March 7 to receive those fallen troops.
Iran strikes back
Tehran has responded to the offensive on multiple fronts. Drones and missiles have been launched at several Gulf states. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane, has been effectively shut down by Iranian action. Energy markets have reacted sharply, with oil prices climbing worldwide.
No end to the conflict is visible. Trump himself has offered no clear picture of the operation's objectives or its expected duration.
President Donald J. Trump attends the dignified transfer of six American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in a refueling plane crash while serving our nation. 🇺ðŸ‡ðŸ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 18, 2026
May God bless them and their families.
In Honor of:
Maj. John A. Klinner
Capt. Ariana G. Savino
Tech. pic.twitter.com/AKLqFpnXYC
A controversy that lingered
The March 7 ceremony drew unexpected backlash. Donald Trump arrived wearing a white "USA" baseball cap, a choice that struck many as out of place for such a solemn occasion. Members of his own Republican Party joined in the criticism.
As per the NDTV report, the White House fired back, saying those raising objections were "disgustingly playing partisan politics."
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Wednesday's appearance drew no such controversy. The president's attire was formal.
He left quietly, offering nothing to reporters waiting outside. According to the report, the White House later wrote on X: "Their courage will never be forgotten."
