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The skies above Washington state bore witness to a tragic incident on October 15, 2024, when a Navy EA-18G Growler jet crashed near Mount Rainier during a routine training mission, claiming the lives of two exceptional female aviators who had distinguished themselves in combat and service to their country.
Tragic Loss of Two Trailblazing Naval Aviators
The Navy identified the two fallen aviators as Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. “Miley” Evans and Lt. Serena N. “Dug” Wileman, both 31 years old and from California. These remarkable women were more than just pilots; they were combat-decorated aviators who had recently returned from a nine-month deployment to the Red Sea.
Details of the Crash
The jet, belonging to Electronic Attack Squadron 130 (nicknamed “Zappers”), crashed at approximately 3:23 p.m. on October 15, about 30 miles west of Yakima. The crash site was located on a mountainside east of Mount Rainier, presenting significant challenges for search and rescue teams due to:
- Mountainous terrain
- Cloudy weather
- Low visibility conditions
Distinguished Service and Achievements
Evans and Wileman were not just ordinary naval officers. Their service record was extraordinary:
| Aviator | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|
| Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans | • Completed multiple combat strikes in Houthi-controlled territories • Part of historic all-female Super Bowl flyover in 2023 • Named Growler Tactics Instructor of the Year in 2024 |
| Lt. Serena N. Wileman | • Flew combat missions in Yemen • Demonstrated exceptional professional skills • Completed multiple strategic deployments |
Operational Context
The EA-18G Growler, valued at approximately $67 million, is considered the Navy’s most advanced electronic warfare aircraft. The Zappers squadron had recently returned from a deployment in the Southern Red Sea, where they conducted 700 combat missions and seven pre-planned strikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
🔔 Note: The cause of the crash remains under investigation by naval authorities.
President Joe Biden honored the aviators, stating they were "among our nation's finest" and emphasizing that their service and sacrifice would always be remembered. Their colleagues described them as role models who inspired future generations of Naval officers and aviators.
Where did the Navy jet crash?
+The jet crashed on a mountainside east of Mount Rainier, approximately 30 miles west of Yakima, Washington.
What type of aircraft was involved in the crash?
+An EA-18G Growler jet from Electronic Attack Squadron 130, valued at about $67 million.
What was the status of the aviators?
+Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman were both 31-year-old combat-decorated naval aviators who were tragically killed in the crash.