WASHINGTON (Agencies): The U.S. Navy has identified the two aviators who tragically lost their lives in the EA-18G Growler crash near Mount Rainier, Washington State.
Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay “Miley” Evans and Lt. Serena “Dug” Wileman, both from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, were aboard the aircraft when it crashed during a routine training flight on October 15, 2024.
The crash occurred at approximately 3:23 p.m. local time, and the wreckage was located the following day in a remote, steep, and heavily wooded area east of Mount Rainier. Search teams, including a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter and Army Special Forces soldiers trained in mountaineering and high-angle rescue, were involved in the recovery efforts.
The EA-18G Growler, a variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, is equipped with sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, and the Navy has declared the crew members deceased.
The U.S. Navy, along with the families of the aviators, mourns the loss of these brave service members.
The names of Lt. Cmdr. Evans and Lt. Wileman will be released publicly once their next of kin have been notified