The U.S. Navy is mourning two distinguished female aviators who died when their EA-18G Growler jet crashed in mountainous terrain east of Mount Rainier on Monday.
Officials identified the deceased as Lt
Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, both 31-year-old California-based officers with Electronic Attack Squadron 130, known as the ‘Zappers,’ stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The crash occurred during a routine training flight, prompting federal investigators to examine what caused the advanced electronic warfare aircraft to go down. Who They Were Lt. Cmdr. Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, made history as a participant in the first all-female flyover during Super Bowl LVII, marking 50 years of women in naval aviation. Lt. Wileman, a Naval Aviator commissioned in 2018, held the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon for her service. Both women were recognized as trailblazers who broke gender barriers in combat aviation through their careers defined by excellence and mentorship.
The Recovery Effort The wreckage was discovered at approximately 6
feet in steep, heavily wooded terrain that has made recovery operations exceptionally challenging. Washington Governor Jay Inslee authorized National Guard support to provide security for the crash site after authorities transitioned from search-and-rescue to recovery operations. Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, the squadron’s commanding officer, stated that supporting the families of the fallen remains the current priority while investigators work to determine the technical or environmental causes behind the loss of the $67 million aircraft. The Legacy U. S. Senator Patty Murray described the aviators as pioneering leaders who paved the way for future generations in a public tribute. The loss underscores the inherent risks of military training and highlights the contributions of those expanding women’s presence in the cockpit.
This story has been updated. CNN’s aviation and defense team contributed to this report
