Three members of an explosives disposal squad from Hill Air Force Base were killed yesterday in Iraq near Baghdad by a car bomb, base officials said Monday.
   
    The three were identified as:
   
    * Tech. Sergeant Timothy R. Weiner, 35, a noncommissioned officer in charge of explosive ordnance disposal operations from Tamarack, Fla.
   
    * Senior Airman Elizabeth A. Loncki, 23, an explosive ordnance disposal journeyman from New Castle, Del.
   
    * Senior Airman Daniel B. Miller Jr., 24, an explosive ordnance disposal apprentice from Galesburg, Ill.
   
    The three are the first from Hill Air Force Base killed in action while performing their missions of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
   
    While in Iraq, the three airmen were members of the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. At Hill AFB, they were members of the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight who were deployed in support of the Global War on Terror.
   
    "Speaking for everyone at Team Hill, we are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our three Airmen," Maj. Gen. Kevin Sullivan, Ogden Air Logistics Center commander said in a statement.
   
    "Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the families, friends, and co-workers of these brave Air Force heroes during this difficult period. Each of these airmen was a highly valued member of our Air Force and their service to our nation will not be forgotten."
   
    Col. Scott Chambers, 75th Air Base Wing commander, said, "The loss of these airmen to Team Hill is a true tragedy to our organization, to our base and to the Air Force. Their commitment to the unit's mission and the Air Force was unparalleled -- they each were great patriots."
   
    Explosive ordnance disposal specialists are trained to deal with various types of explosive devices. While deployed, they help clear explosives from transportation routes.
   
    Details regarding return of the bodies and burial services are still pending. Hill tentatively set a memorial service for Friday.