Navy Identifies Two Aviators Killed in EA-18G Growler Crash Near Mount Rainier

The U.S. Navy has identified the two aviators who tragically lost their lives in an EA-18G Growler jet crash near Mount Rainier, Washington, on October 15. Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay "Miley" Evans, 31, a naval flight officer, and Lt. Serena "Dug" Wileman, 31, a naval aviator, both from California, were killed in the crash that sparked a days-long search-and-rescue mission.

The Navy described Evans and Wileman as "trailblazing" aviators who distinguished themselves as decorated combat veterans during their squadron's recent deployment to the Red Sea aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. They were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130, also known as the "Zappers," based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

Evans joined the Navy in 2014 and had a notable career, marked by her participation in an all-female Super Bowl flyover in 2023, commemorating 50 years of women flying in the Navy. She completed the prestigious 12-week "HAVOC" graduate-level course at Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada and became a Growler tactics instructor. Evans was recognized as the 2024 Growler Tactics Instructor of the Year and received several awards, including two Single Action Air Medals with Combat "C" and three Strike Flight Air Medals.

Wileman joined the Navy in 2022 through the Officer Candidate School and met her husband, a fellow naval aviator, during flight school. She reported to the Zappers in 2022 and flew multiple strikes into Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen. Wileman demonstrated exceptional leadership and calm under pressure as a landing signal officer, earning her three Strike Flight Air Medals and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of VAQ-130, praised Evans and Wileman as role models and trailblazers in the Navy's aviation community. The commander of Carrier Air Wing 3, Capt. Marvin Scott, remembered them as exceptional warriors who represented the best of naval aviation.

The Navy has recovered the remains of the two sailors, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. The search-and-rescue mission was challenging due to harsh terrain, cloudy weather, and low visibility. The wreckage was located on Wednesday afternoon, and specialized mountaineering experience was required to reach the site.

The Navy will continue to investigate the cause of the crash and recover debris from the crash site.