06/18/2026
Edwards Air Force Base just released the names of the eight men who lost their lives when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on Monday, during a routine test mission supporting the bomber's radar modernization program. The crew was a mix of active-duty airmen, a reservist, and civilians, including two Boeing employees. These are the eight:
Col. Gregory Watson, 53, weapon systems officer, Boeing (Air Force reservist), of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, weapon systems officer, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Detachment 5, Edwards AFB.
Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, pilot, Boeing, of Tehachapi, California. A veteran who served in Afghanistan, he is survived by his wife and their two children.
Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, weapon systems officer, 419th Flight Test Squadron, of Lancaster, California.
Maj. Robert Dee, 40, pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB.
Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB.
Jeromy Smith, 32, flight test engineer, 419th Flight Test Squadron, of Rosamond, California.
Christopher Rischar, 41, flight test engineer, JT4 contractor, of Lancaster, California.
"They were dedicated professionals, beloved family members and irreplaceable teammates," said Col. Thomas Tauer, commander of the 412th Test Wing.
The cause of the crash has not been determined. An Air Force investigation board has begun its work, a process that could take up to six months. It was the deadliest B-52 accident since 1982.
For now, eight families, and the entire Edwards community, are grieving. Our thoughts are with all of them.
