June 18, 2026 - SACRAMENTO – On Wednesday, Governor Gavin Newsom and Acting Governor Monique Limón issued the following statement regarding the deaths of eight personnel from a California-based active-duty squadron at Edwards Air Force Base:
We join the country in mourning the loss of these eight brave Americans. Their service, dedication, and commitment to our nation’s defense will not be forgotten. As we grieve this tragedy, we honor their lives, their contributions to our country, and the families, friends, colleagues, and communities who now carry this profound sorrow. California stands with the men and women of Edwards Air Force Base, the United States Air Force, and all those affected by this devastating accident.
The individuals killed in the crash were:
- Col. Gregory Watson, 53, Air Force reservist assigned to the 10th Air Force at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, and a weapon systems officer with Boeing.
- Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, weapon systems officer assigned to the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Detachment 5, at Edwards Air Force Base.
- Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, Boeing pilot from Tehachapi.
- Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, weapon systems officer assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron, of Lancaster.
- Maj. Robert Dee, 40, pilot assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base.
- Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, pilot assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base.
- Jeromy Smith, 32, flight test engineer with the 419th Flight Test Squadron, of Rosamond.
- Christopher Rischar, 41, JT4 contractor serving as a flight test engineer, of Lancaster.
Military officials announced that the B-52 Stratosphere aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff while conducting a test flight supporting a radar modernization program at Edwards Air Force Base. Federal authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
In honor of these personnel, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.
Source: Office of the Governor