The U.S. Navy has identified the two aviators who tragically lost their lives in last week’s fighter jet crash near Mount Rainier. Both were 31-year-old trailblazing officers from California whose careers embodied courage, service, and groundbreaking achievements.
Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, a Naval Aviator, died when their EA-18G Growler aircraft crashed during a training mission east of Mount Rainier. The jet, assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130—known as the “Zappers”—was operating out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington State.
The crash occurred last Tuesday, during what officials described as a routine training exercise. Search teams worked tirelessly in challenging conditions before aerial reconnaissance located the wreckage the following day at approximately 6,000 feet in a rugged, forested section of the Cascade Range. The area’s remote terrain made recovery operations extremely difficult. By Sunday, Navy officials declared the two aviators deceased and formally transitioned from rescue to recovery efforts.
Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, the commanding officer of VAQ-130, issued a solemn statement honoring the fallen officers. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers,” he said. “Our priority right now is taking care of the families of our fallen aviators, and ensuring the well-being of our sailors and the Growler community. We are grateful for the ongoing teamwork to safely recover the deceased.”
Lt. Cmdr. Evans, a native of Palmdale, California, had already made her mark on naval aviation history. She was part of the all-female flight crew that performed the historic flyover at Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023. That moment commemorated 50 years since the first women entered U.S. Navy flight school in 1973. Evans’s participation symbolized both progress and possibility, inspiring a new generation of women to pursue careers in military aviation.
Lt. Serena Wileman, also from California, commissioned in 2018 and joined the Zapper squadron in 2021. During her career, she earned several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon. Colleagues described her as a dedicated professional who embodied the Navy’s values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee confirmed that the Navy requested assistance from the state’s National Guard to provide round-the-clock security at designated traffic control points near the crash site. Inslee authorized the request, ensuring that recovery operations could proceed safely and securely.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Navy officials have not provided preliminary findings but emphasized that every aspect of the incident will be thoroughly reviewed to prevent future tragedies.
The EA-18G Growler, the aircraft involved in the accident, has been a central component of U.S. Navy operations since its introduction in 2008. Built as an advanced variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, the Growler specializes in electronic warfare. It carries both a pilot and an electronic warfare officer, enabling it to jam enemy radar and communications while supporting combat operations. The Growler fleet, each aircraft valued at roughly $67 million, has been deployed worldwide in support of critical missions.
In a statement, the Navy highlighted the aircraft’s significance: “The EA-18G Growler represents the most advanced technology in airborne electronic attack and stands as the Navy’s first line of defense in hostile environments.”
Tributes have poured in for the fallen aviators. U.S. Senator Patty Murray of Washington expressed her deep sorrow upon hearing the news, recalling that she had met Lt. Cmdr. Evans during a visit to Whidbey Island. “I am deeply grateful for her courage and sacrifice in service to our country,” Murray said. “She was a leader who broke barriers and made history.” She extended her condolences to the family of Lt. Wileman, adding, “I am so proud of both of these women for their trailblazing careers—their service has no doubt made a difference, clearing a path for the women who will come after them.”
The deaths of Evans and Wileman have left a profound mark on the Navy community. Both women were not only accomplished officers but also role models who represented the growing presence of women in combat aviation. Their service reflected a balance of skill, leadership, and perseverance that continues to inspire peers and younger generations alike.
For the sailors at Whidbey Island, the loss is personal. The “Zappers” squadron has long prided itself on a close-knit culture, and the deaths of two aviators in their prime serve as a stark reminder of the risks military personnel face even in training. Recovery crews are now focused on collecting debris and salvaging what remains of the aircraft, a process that officials say will take considerable time due to the difficult terrain.
As the investigation continues, one thing remains clear: Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans and Lt. Serena Wileman will be remembered not just for the circumstances of their deaths, but for the legacies they built during their lives. Evans will be remembered as a pioneer who helped shatter barriers for women in aviation, while Wileman’s decorated service and commitment reflected the very best of naval tradition.
Together, they represented courage, progress, and sacrifice—the very qualities that define military service. Their loss is deeply felt, but their example will endure, ensuring that their contributions to the Navy and to the country are never forgotten.
