Edwards Air Force Base releases names of 8 crew members killed in B-52 bomber crash

Edwards Air Force Base released the identities of eight crew members killed when a B-52 crashed shortly after takeoff during a radar modernization test mission. The victims are Col. Gregory Watson, 53, weapon systems officer; Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, weapons officer; Retired Lt. Col Miles Middleton, 50, pilot; Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, weapons officer; Maj. Robert Dee, 40, pilot; Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, pilot; Jeromy Smith, 32, flight test engineer; and Christopher Rischar, 41, flight test engineer and JT4 contractor. The crash occurred shortly before noon on Monday, heading southwest and crashing about halfway down Edwards’ 15,000-foot runway, with no survivors. Following a 24-hour waiting period after next-of-kin notifications, the eight names were released as the Interim Safety Investigation Board launches a probe that could take up to six months. Officials note the B-52 is a long-range bomber first flown in 1952, with eight engines and a 185-foot wingspan, and that Edwards conducts daily test missions.