The U.S. Navy has officially identified the two crew members lost in the fatal crash of an EA-18G Growler near Mount Rainier, Washington. Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, both 31, were distinguished members of the Electronic Attack Squadron 130, famously known as the “Zappers.” Based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, these aviators were recognized for their tactical excellence and historic contributions to naval aviation. Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, was a trailblazer who participated in the first all-female Super Bowl LVII flyover in 2023. Wileman, a Naval Aviator, was a highly decorated pilot whose service included the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
Recovery operations are currently underway in the steep, heavily wooded terrain of the Cascade Mountains, where wreckage was located at an altitude of approximately 6,000 feet. The complex operation shifted from search-and-rescue to recovery after officials confirmed the aviators had perished. Washington Governor Jay Inslee authorized the National Guard to provide 24-hour security at the site to assist Navy salvage teams as they navigate the difficult environment. The EA-18G Growler, a critical $67 million electronic warfare platform derived from the F/A-18 Super Hornet, was performing a routine training flight when the accident occurred. The exact cause of the crash remains the subject of a rigorous ongoing investigation by military authorities.
The loss has reverberated through the military community, drawing tributes from high-ranking officials and fellow service members. U.S. Senator Patty Murray described Evans as a pioneering leader who broke barriers, noting that both women paved the way for future generations of female aviators. Squadron Commander Timothy Warburton emphasized that the current priority remains supporting the families of the fallen and the wider Growler community. As the Navy prepares for a long-term salvage effort, the legacy of Evans and Wileman—built on courage and professional achievement—will continue to inspire those within the Electronic Attack community and the broader naval aviation fleet.
