The U.S. Navy has identified the two crew members who died in the crash of an EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft near Mount Rainier, Washington. Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, both 31, were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130, known as the “Zappers,” based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, participated in the first all-female Super Bowl LVII flyover in 2023. Wileman, a Naval Aviator, earned decorations including the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon. Both recently returned from a deployment with Carrier Air Wing 3 aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, during which they flew combat missions.
The aircraft crashed Oct. 15, 2024, during a routine training flight. Wreckage was located at approximately 6,000 feet in steep, heavily wooded terrain in the Cascade Mountains east of Mount Rainier. After confirming the aviators had perished, officials transitioned from search-and-rescue to recovery operations.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee authorized the National Guard to provide 24-hour security at the site to support Navy salvage teams navigating the difficult environment. The EA-18G Growler, a specialized electronic attack platform based on the F/A-18 Super Hornet, remains the focus of a thorough investigation by military authorities. The cause of the crash has not been determined.
The loss has prompted tributes across the military community. Squadron Commander Timothy Warburton said the priority is supporting the families of the fallen and the broader Growler community. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray highlighted Evans’ role as a barrier-breaking leader and noted that both women helped open doors for future female aviators.
As recovery and long-term salvage efforts continue in the remote Cascade terrain, Evans and Wileman are remembered for their skill, service, and contributions to naval aviation. Their legacy within the Electronic Attack community endures.
