The U.S. Navy has confirmed the deaths of two crew members from a crash involving an EA-18G Growler jet during a routine training flight near Mount Rainier, Washington. The naval aviator and naval flight officer who lost their lives were identified as Lt. Serena Wileman and Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans, both 31 years old and from California. The wreckage was located on Wednesday after a multi-day search following the crash on Tuesday, but the recovery of their remains took several more days due to the remote, heavily wooded terrain and inclement weather conditions.
Wileman, who joined the Navy in 2018, was assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, also known as the “Zappers,” in November 2022 after completing her flight training. Her service record highlights her combat experience, including multiple missions over Yemen. She was regarded as an energetic and positive presence within her squadron, known for her leadership, mentorship, and care for her fellow sailors. Wileman was also a landing signal officer, responsible for ensuring safe aircraft landings aboard naval carriers. She is survived by her husband, Brandon, a fellow naval aviator.
Evans, a naval flight officer, had a longer tenure in the Navy, having enlisted in 2010 before commissioning in 2014 via the Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Southern California. Evans had recently joined VAQ-130 in September 2023 after assignments that included roles in Electronic Attack Squadron 136 and the Electronic Communications Weapons School. Her distinguished career included being part of the all-female flyover during the 2023 Super Bowl and serving as a Growler Tactics Instructor. Evans was also named the Growler Tactics Instructor of the Year for Fiscal Year 2024. She is survived by her dog, Nix, an Australian shepherd.
The EA-18G Growler, a specialized electronic warfare aircraft, was based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, northwest Washington. The aircraft went down at around 3:20 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday during what was described as a routine training mission. The crash occurred in a remote, snow-covered area approximately 6,000 feet above sea level. During the search and rescue operations, the Navy was assisted by Army special forces from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, bringing mountaineering and high-angle rescue expertise to navigate the difficult terrain.
In a statement, Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of VAQ-130, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Wileman and Evans as role models and trailblazers within the Navy’s aviation community. The Navy has extended its support to the families of the fallen aviators, and recovery efforts continue at the crash site, with ongoing operations to salvage the wreckage.
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