Navy identifies two aviators in fatal EA-18G Growler crash
Aviators from California perished in Navy jet crash near Mount Rainier
Naval officials have identified two aviators from California who perished in a Navy jet crash near Mount Rainier in Washington state last week. The victims are Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, both 31 years old.
The crash involved an EA-18G Growler jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron based at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when the jet crashed on a mountainside east of Mount Rainier.
The aircraft’s wreckage was found about 6,000 feet up in a remote, wooded area. Until Sunday, the status of the crew was unknown due to the challenging terrain. Army Special Forces soldiers, skilled in mountaineering and high-angle rescue, assisted in locating the missing aviators.
Navy IDs two aviators who died in EA-18G Growler crash last week#navy #pilots #military pic.twitter.com/X4CY2YonDD
— Military Times (@MilitaryTimes) October 21, 2024
By Sunday, the focus shifted from search and rescue to recovery operations after Evans and Wileman were found. Evans, originally from Palmdale, California, was notable for being part of the first all-female team to fly over a Super Bowl on February 12, 2023, marking 50 years of women in Navy aviation.
Wileman joined the Navy in 2018 and became part of the “Zapper” squadron at Whidbey Island in 2021. Her accolades include the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon.
U.S. Senator Patty Murray expressed her sorrow over their deaths, highlighting their pioneering roles and the path they paved for future women in the Navy.
The Navy is currently investigating the cause of the crash. The EA-18G, an advanced electronic warfare aircraft, is a variant of the F/A-18 family. It replaced the EA-6B Prowler and first went into production in October 2004. The jet’s inaugural flight was in August 2006, with the first delivery on June 3, 2008, to VAQ 129 at NAS Whidbey Island. Each aircraft costs $67 million.
What Other Media Are Saying
- ABC News reports on the tragic deaths of two female aviators, Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, in a jet crash near Mount Rainier, highlighting their pioneering roles in naval aviation.(read more)
- NBC News reports that the US Navy confirms the deaths of two missing fighter jet pilots after a crash near Mount Rainier, highlighting the investigation’s ongoing efforts and support for the families.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who were the aviators killed in the Navy jet crash near Mount Rainier?
Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman.
What type of jet was involved in the crash near Mount Rainier?
An EA-18G Growler jet.
Where was the wreckage of the crashed Navy jet found?
About 6,000 feet up in a remote, wooded area.
What notable achievement did Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans have?
Part of the first all-female team to fly over a Super Bowl.
When did Lt. Serena N. Wileman join the Navy?
In 2018.
