The Navy identifies two people killed in a fighter jet crash as airmen from California

The Navy on Monday identified the two crew members who died in a jet fighter crash near Mount Rainier last week as two 31-year-old airmen from California.

Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, a naval flight officer, and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, a naval aviator, died when her EA-18G Growler jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron, known as “Zappers,” crashed east of Mount Rainier last Tuesday during a training flight, according to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

Evans, of Palmdale, Calif., made history as part of a team of female pilots who conducted the first all-female flyover of Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, 2023, to celebrate 50 years of female flying in the Navy, Steve Fiebing said, a spokesman for the Marine told The Associated Press.

The first female candidates entered the US Navy flight school in 1973.

“I joined the Navy to serve my country,” Evans said Los Angeles Times. “Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than yourself.”

Wileman commissioned in 2018 and joined the Zapper Squadron on Whidbey Island, Washington in 2021. She received the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon.

A flight team located the wreckage the day after the crash at an altitude of about 6,000 feet (1,828 meters) in a remote, steep and heavily forested area east of Mount Rainier, officials said.

Navy officials declared the pilots dead on Sunday and said they had transitioned from search and rescue operations to recovery operations.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers,” said Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commander, Electronic Attack Squadron 130. “Our priority at this time is caring for the families of our fallen Airmen and ensuring the well-being of our Sailors and the Growler community. We are grateful for the continued teamwork that enabled us to safely recover the deceased.”

Personnel are recovering the debris and planning long-term salvage and salvage efforts, the Navy said. Gov. Jay Inslee said the Navy has asked the Washington State National Guard to “provide 24-hour security at assigned traffic control points.” Inslee granted the request on Sunday.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

The first production of the Growler was delivered to Whidbey Island in 2008. Over the past 15 years, the Growler has deployed around the globe supporting major operations, the Navy said. In the plane there is a pilot sitting at the front and an electronics technician behind him.

“The EA-18G Growler aircraft we fly represents the most advanced airborne electronic attack technology and represents the Navy’s first line of defense in hostile environments,” the Navy said on his website. Each plane costs about $67 million.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray said she was heartbroken to learn of the death of Evans, whom she met at the Naval Air Station last year.

“I am deeply grateful for their courage and sacrifice in service to our country,” Murray said in a statement. “She was a leader who broke barriers and made history.”

“I would also like to thank the family and loved ones of Lt. “I extend my deepest condolences to Serena Wileman,” she continued. “I am so proud of both of these women for their groundbreaking careers – their service has undoubtedly made a difference and paved the way for the women who will come after them.”