A B-52 Stratofortress, similar to the one seen here, crashed Monday in California, killing eight people on board. U.S. Air Force officials identified the eight victims on Wednesday. File photo courtesy U.S. Air Force
June 17 (UPI) -- U.S. Air Force officials identified Wednesday the eight crew members who died earlier this week in a U.S. strategic bomber crash in California.
The B-52 Stratofortress crashed during a routine test mission in the Mojave Desert. Air Force officials said the crash occurred shortly after takeoff at 11:20 a.m. PDT Monday at Edwards Air Force Base.
All eight on board were killed.
The victims were identified Wednesday as Col. Gregory Watson, 53; Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40; retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50; Maj. Alexander Davis, 34; Maj. Robert Dee, 40; Maj. Brad Hovey, 35; Jeromy Smith, 32; and Christopher Rischar.
