The U.S. Navy has identified two female aviators killed in an EA-18G Growler jet crash near Mount Rainier in Washington as Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, both 31-year-old California natives.
The aircraft went down during a training mission east of Mount Rainier while assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130, known as the “Zappers.” Search and rescue crews located the wreckage in a remote, steep, heavily wooded area at approximately 6,000 feet elevation, and the operation transitioned to recovery after officials confirmed both aviators had died.
Service Records and Recognition
Evans gained recognition for her participation in the first all-female military flyover during Super Bowl LVII, which commemorated 50 years of women serving as Navy aviators. Wileman joined the squadron in 2021 and earned several military honors during her service, including the National Defense Service Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Investigation and Support
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by Navy officials. The Navy stated that its immediate focus centers on supporting the families of the fallen aviators and members of the Growler squadron during this period.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Defense and Military team contributed to this report.
