Kim Reynolds Orders Iowa Flags Half-Staff for Major Brad Hovey

Governor Kim Reynolds ordered all public buildings, grounds, and facilities across Iowa to fly flags at half-staff from sunrise on July 10 until sunset on July 17, 2026. The directive honors the memory of U.S. Air Force Major Brad Hovey, an Iowa native who died on June 15 during a B-52 flight test mission.

Major Hovey was a pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron based at Edwards Air Force Base in California. While some reports focus on his individual service, other accounts state he was one of eight people killed during the test flight. The 35-year-old officer will be buried at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.

Governor Reynolds encouraged businesses, schools, and private citizens to participate in the tribute. She stated that the state grieves the loss together and stands united in support of the officer's family as they prepare to lay him to rest.