The U.S. Navy has identified two crew members who died in the crash of an EA-18G Growler near Mount Rainier, Washington.
Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, both 31, were members of Electronic Attack Squadron 130 based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The aircraft went down in the Cascade Mountains at approximately 6,000 feet elevation.
Who They Were
Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, participated in the first all-female Super Bowl LVII flyover in 2023. Wileman, a Naval Aviator, received the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon during her service.
Both aviators were recognized for tactical excellence within the Navy’s electronic warfare community. Squadron Commander Timothy Warburton said the focus now remains on supporting the families and the broader Growler community.
Recovery and Investigation
Search-and-rescue operations shifted to recovery efforts after officials confirmed the aviators’ deaths. The National Guard provided 24-hour security at the crash site in the steep, heavily wooded terrain to assist Navy salvage teams.
The EA-18G Growler, a $67 million electronic warfare platform derived from the F/A-18 Super Hornet, was on a routine training flight when the accident occurred. Military authorities are conducting an ongoing investigation into the exact cause of the crash.
Tributes and Legacy
U.S. Senator Patty Murray described Evans as a pioneering leader who broke barriers for future female aviators. The loss has drawn tributes from high-ranking officials and fellow service members across the military community.
The Navy continues its long-term salvage effort in the challenging mountain environment. Evans and Wileman’s legacy of courage and professional achievement will continue to inspire the electronic attack and broader naval aviation communities.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Military and Investigations teams contributed to this report.
