Navy Mourns Two Aviators Killed in EA-18G Growler Crash Near Mount Rainier
The U.S. Navy is mourning the loss of two highly respected aviators after an EA-18G Growler crashed in the rugged terrain near Mount Rainier, Washington.
On Monday, the Navy identified the fallen crew members as Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, 31, of Palmdale, California, and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, 31, of California. Both officers were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130, known as the “Zappers,” based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
The crash claimed the lives of two women who had become prominent figures within naval aviation. Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, made history in 2023 when she participated in the first all-female flyover at Super Bowl LVII, a tribute marking 50 years of women serving in naval aviation. Wileman, a Naval Aviator commissioned in 2018, joined the Zappers in 2021 and was recognized with multiple honors, including the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
The aircraft wreckage was discovered one day after the crash at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet in steep, heavily forested terrain, creating significant challenges for rescue teams. After confirming that both aviators had died, the Navy transitioned from search-and-rescue operations to recovery efforts.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of two cherished Zappers,” said Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, the squadron’s commanding officer. “Our priority is supporting their families, our sailors, and the entire Growler community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee authorized the National Guard to provide continuous security around the crash site as Navy personnel prepare for a long-term recovery and salvage operation. Investigators continue working to determine what caused the aircraft to go down.
The EA-18G Growler, valued at approximately $67 million, is the Navy’s primary electronic warfare aircraft. Based on the F/A-18 Super Hornet design, the Growler has served as a critical platform in U.S. military operations around the world since arriving at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in 2008.
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, who had previously met Evans during a visit to the base, remembered her as “a pioneering leader who broke barriers and made history.” She also offered condolences to Wileman’s family, saying both aviators “paved the way for generations of women who will follow in their footsteps.”
A Legacy of Service and Breaking Barriers
The deaths of Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans and Lt. Serena Wileman represent a devastating loss for the Navy and the broader military aviation community.
Beyond their operational achievements, both aviators represented the continued advancement of women in combat aviation. Their careers reflected dedication, courage, and a commitment to service that inspired those around them.
As the investigation into the crash continues, the Navy, their fellow service members, and the families they leave behind are honoring two aviators whose impact will extend far beyond their years of service.
