The Navy confirmed the deaths of two female Naval aviators whose EA-18G Growler aircraft crashed in Washington state, marking a significant loss for the military aviation community.
Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, 31, of Palmdale, California, and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, 31, of California, were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130, based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The wreckage was discovered Sunday at approximately 6,000 feet in steep, heavily wooded terrain after the aircraft went down Monday.
The Aviators’ Service Records
Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, gained recognition in 2023 when she participated in the first all-female flyover at Super Bowl LVII, honoring five decades of women in naval aviation. Wileman, commissioned as a Naval Aviator in 2018, joined the Zappers squadron three years later and received multiple military decorations including the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of two cherished Zappers,” Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, the squadron’s commanding officer, said in a statement. “Our priority is supporting their families, our sailors, and the Growler community.”
Response and Investigation
The Navy shifted operations from search-and-rescue to recovery efforts after confirming both aviators had perished. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee authorized the National Guard to provide round-the-clock security at the site while Navy teams prepared for a long-term salvage operation.
The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation. The EA-18G Growler, valued at approximately $67 million, serves as the Navy’s primary electronic warfare platform and arrived at Whidbey Island in 2008.
Tributes and Legacy
U.S. Senator Patty Murray, who had previously met Evans during a base visit, described her as “a pioneering leader who broke barriers and made history.” Murray extended condolences to both families, noting that the aviators “paved the way for generations of women who will follow in their footsteps.”
Evans and Wileman’s deaths represent a significant loss for the Naval aviation community and underscore the expanding role of women in combat operations. Their service and achievements will remain part of the military’s evolving history.
This story has been updated. CNN’s staff contributed to this report.
