Top photo caption: A file photo shows a B-52H bomber over the Utah Test and Training Range during a Nuclear Weapons System Evaluation Program sortie, near Salt Lake City. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, expressed his condolences following the deaths of eight U.S. Air Force personnel in a June 15, 2026, crash at Edwards Air Force Base. OSV News photo/Staff Sgt. Roidan Carlson, U.S. Air Force via Reuters
By Gina Christian, OSV News
OSV News – The head of the nation’s Catholic archdiocese for the armed forces expressed his condolences after eight persons were killed June 15 when a strategic bomber crashed during a test flight at a U.S. base in California.
“Certainly, the bishops, priests, religious, and staff of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, join me in offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident at Edwards Air Force Base,” said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio in a June 16 statement provided to OSV News.
The day prior, a B-52 Stratofortess – whose passengers included military personnel and two government contractors, both employees of aerospace manufacturer Boeing – crashed shortly after takeoff around 11:20 a.m.
The eight individuals had been on what Edwards AFB called a “routine test mission.”
In a June 15 statement, Boeing confirmed “with great sadness” the deaths of its two staffers.
Colonel James Hayes, deputy commander of the 412 test wing at Edwards, told media June 15 the crash had been deemed “unsurvivable,” saying, “We lost eight great Americans.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of those who have passed away and for the families where an emptiness has been provoked and deep sorrow pierces their hearts,” said Archbishop Broglio in his statement. “May the Lord of all mercies bring them consolation.”
Gina Christian is a multimedia reporter for OSV News. Follow her on X @GinaJesseReina.
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