In a somber announcement, the U.S. Navy has identified the two naval aviators who tragically lost their lives in the crash of an EA-18G Growler jet near Mount Rainier in Washington state. The loss of Lt. Serena N. Wileman, 31, and Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, 31, has left the naval aviation community and their loved ones mourning two remarkable lives cut short.
The two officers, both from California, were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130 (VAQ-130), known as the “Zappers,” based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. On October 15, 2024, they were conducting a routine training flight when their aircraft went down in a remote and rugged area east of Mount Rainier.
The wreckage was located the following day in steep, forested terrain in Yakima County, at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet. Rescue teams faced extremely difficult conditions, including rough terrain, poor visibility, and challenging weather. Despite extensive search efforts involving multiple agencies, there were no survivors.
