Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information about Wileman’s and Evans’ contributions during Carrier Air Wing 3′s deployment.
The Navy identified on Monday the two aviators who died in an EA-18G Growler crash last week east of Mount Rainier in Washington.
Naval aviator Lt. Serena Wileman, 31, and naval flight officer Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans, 31, both from Electronic Attack Squadron 130 based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, were conducting a routine training flight on Tuesday at the time of the crash, according to the Navy.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers,” Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron 130, said in a statement Sunday. “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.”
Wreckage of the crash was identified Wednesday and the Navy said Thursday night that it “rests at approximately 6,000 feet altitude in a remote, steep and heavily-wooded area east of Mount Rainier.”
Additionally, soldiers from the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) based at nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord stepped in to assist with search and recovery operations.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Electronic Attack Squadron 130, known as the “Zappers,” concluded a deployment to the Middle East with Carrier Air Wing 3 embarked on the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower in July.
During this deployment, Evans and Wileman “distinguished themselves in combat operations” that “cemented” their legacies in the service’s history, according to the Navy.
Specifically, Evans coordinated and executed multiple combat strikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen and implemented new warfare tactics as the squadron’s training officer to deter Houthi aggression. Wileman oversaw all detachment operations in support of Operation Prosperity Guardian to safeguard vessels in the Red Sea and Operation Inherent Resolve to combat the Islamic State.
Evans and Wileman are among the few women in the service who have conducted combat missions over land, according to the Navy.
Evans earned two Single Action Air Medals for her “exceptional performance” during strikes in January, as well as three Strike Flight Air Medals for missions conducted in December and March. Wileman also earned three Strike Flight Air Medals for her role in combat missions in December and April.
Both women demonstrated tenacity as aviators and will be remembered for their positive energy, said Capt. Marvin Scott, commander of Carrier Air Wing 3.
“I have personally flown with both of these Great Americans in both training and dynamic combat operations, and they always performed professionally and precisely. As true leaders in the Growler community, VAQ-130, and across my Air Wing, their contributions cannot be overstated; I could not be more proud to have served with each of them,” Scott said in a statement Monday. “Every member of the CVW-3 Battle Axe Team is heartbroken at the loss of these exceptional warriors; [Wileman] and [Evans] truly represent the best that Naval Aviation has to offer, and they will absolutely be missed.”
Evans commissioned in 2014 after graduating from the University of Southern California. She joined Electronic Attack Squadron 130 in September 2023. Wileman commissioned in 2018 after completing Officer Candidate School in Rhode Island and joined the squadron in November 2022.
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