The U.S. Navy has formally identified the two aviators who tragically lost their lives in an EA-18G Growler crash last week during a routine training flight. On Monday, officials confirmed that Lt. Serena Wileman and Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans, both 31, were the victims of the crash, which occurred east of Mount Rainier, Washington. These two women served in the Electronic Attack Squadron 130, also known as the “Zappers,” based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
The incident occurred last Tuesday while Wileman and Evans were conducting a scheduled training flight. It is not uncommon for aviators in the Navy to engage in rigorous and often dangerous training missions, but this crash has left an entire community of sailors and officers in mourning. As Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, the commanding officer of the Zappers, shared in an emotional statement: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers. 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.”
Following the crash, wreckage was identified in a remote, steep, and heavily wooded area east of Mount Rainier at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet. The difficult terrain made recovery operations particularly challenging. Soldiers from the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, were called in to assist with the recovery efforts. Despite the collaborative efforts, the Navy is still investigating the cause of the crash. However, these types of military aircraft accidents, though rare, often undergo intense scrutiny to ensure safety standards are upheld and to prevent future tragedies.
Both Lt. Wileman and Lt. Cmdr. Evans were highly regarded within the Navy, not just for their skill and tenacity as aviators but also for their leadership and combat experience. Their squadron had recently concluded a deployment to the Middle East with Carrier Air Wing 3, where they operated aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. During this deployment, both women distinguished themselves in combat missions that earned them commendations and cemented their legacies in the Navy’s history.
Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans, who served as the squadron’s training officer, was noted for her exceptional ability to execute complex combat strikes. She coordinated and executed several strikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, where her contributions were instrumental in deterring further Houthi aggression. For her work, Evans earned two Single Action Air Medals for strikes conducted in January, as well as three Strike Flight Air Medals for operations in December and March. Her commitment to operational excellence and innovation in warfare tactics was highly regarded by her peers and superiors alike.
Lt. Serena Wileman, meanwhile, oversaw detachment operations that supported both Operation Prosperity Guardian, which safeguarded commercial vessels in the Red Sea, and Operation Inherent Resolve, the mission to combat the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. Wileman earned three Strike Flight Air Medals for her role in combat missions in December and April. Her contributions to these operations showcased her extraordinary leadership, dedication, and commitment to the mission at hand.
Notably, both Evans and Wileman were among the few women in U.S. naval history who have conducted combat missions over land. Their contributions to the Navy’s mission in the Middle East were remarkable not only for their courage but also for their trailblazing presence in roles traditionally dominated by men. This is a fact that the Navy takes great pride in acknowledging, as it demonstrates the growing inclusion of women in critical military roles.
Capt. Marvin Scott, the commander of Carrier Air Wing 3, reflected on the loss of the two aviators, emphasizing their tenacity and positive energy. He said they would be remembered for their unwavering commitment to their craft and their lasting impact on those around them.
As the Navy continues its investigation into the cause of the crash, the focus remains on supporting the grieving families and the members of the Growler community who have been deeply affected by this loss. The memories of Lt. Wileman and Lt. Cmdr. Evans will live on as a testament to their bravery, skill, and dedication to serving their country.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks that come with military service, even in times of peace. As the Navy works to uncover the causes of this devastating accident, it also takes time to honor the sacrifices made by these two remarkable aviators, whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations of service members.