U.S. Naval officials confirmed on Monday that two crew members lost their lives in a Navy jet crash near Mount Rainier in Washington state. The two aviators, both 31 years old and hailing from California, were identified as Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, a Naval Aviator. Their EA-18G Growler jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron out of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station crashed on a mountainside east of Mount Rainier last Tuesday.
The wreckage of the jet was found about 6,000 feet up in a remote, heavily-wooded area. Recovery efforts were significantly hindered by the rugged terrain, requiring assistance from Army Special Forces soldiers with specialized skills in mountaineering and high-angle rescue. After a few days of search and rescue operations, the focus shifted to recovery once the crew members were located on Sunday.
Evans, who was from Palmdale, California, was part of the first-ever all-female team to fly over a Super Bowl in 2023, marking the 50th anniversary of women flying in the Navy. In a statement, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., praised the trailblazing careers of Evans and Wileman, recognizing their service as paving the way for future female aviators.
Wileman, commissioned into the Navy in 2018, joined the “Zapper” squadron at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in 2021. Throughout her career, she received accolades such as the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon. The ongoing investigation into the crash aims to determine its cause.
The EA-18G Growler, a sophisticated electronic warfare aircraft, is part of the F/A-18 family and is designed for tactical jamming and electronic protection purposes. It was introduced as a replacement for the EA-6B Prowler, with production beginning in October 2004. Each EA-18G Growler aircraft costs $67 million, with the first delivery made in 2008.
The tragic loss of Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman has deeply impacted the Navy community. Their dedication to service and groundbreaking achievements will be remembered as part of their legacy. The Navy continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash to prevent future tragedies like this one.
