Growler crew dies in crash near Rainier

NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND - Naval aviators Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans, the flight officer, and Aviator Lt. Serena N. Wileman died when their EA-18G Growler crashed near Mount Rainier Oct. 15 during a routine training flight.

Both were 31 and from California.

The U.S. Navy released their names Monday after family were notified.

The Growler aircraft from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 crashed east of Mount Rainier.

Search and rescue teams were first dispatched from NAS Whidbey Island to locate the crew and examine the crash site.

Aerial search crews located the wreckage just after 12:30 p.m. Oct 16. The search was called off Sunday and the two were declared dead.

The wreckage rests at approximately 6,000 feet altitude in a remote, steep, snow-covered and heavily wooded wilderness environment east of Mount Rainier.

Soldiers from 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington National Guard troops and local law enforcement and partner agencies assisted in the search.

Sunday the effort shifted from search and rescue efforts to recovery operations, Personnel continue to search the expansive area, recovering debris and planning for the long-term salvage and recovery effort..

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers," said Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130. "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."

"The EA-18G Growler aircraft we fly represents the most advanced technology in airborne Electronic Attack and stands as the Navy's first line of defense in hostile environments," the Navy states on a Facebook page.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Source: U.S. Navy