Navy aviators who died after their jet crashed near Mount Rainier have been identified

The names of the two Navy aviators who died last week when their EA-19G Growler jet crashed near Mount Rainier have been released.

Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, 31, of California, and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, 31, of California, were identified as the aviators who died Oct. 15. The Navy declared them deceased on Sunday after they were initially listed as missing. Search and rescue efforts have shifted to recovery operations, according to a news release.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers,” said Cmdr. Timothy Warburton in Sunday’s announcement. “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.”

Evans and Wileman were onboard the aircraft that departed from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. It crashed east of Mount Rainier during a routine training flight, The News Tribune reported.

The wreckage was spotted at an altitude of about 6,000 feet in a remote, steep, heavily wooded area on Oct. 16. The Navy, local law enforcement and partner agencies reached the spot where the plane crashed on Friday, the story said.

Evans and Wileman recently returned from a nine-month deployment with their squadron, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 310, also known as Zappers. Their operation was mostly from the Red Sea aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, according to a story shared by Carrier Strike Group Two honoring the two aviators.

“Operating mostly from the Red Sea, they supported Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, PROSPERITY GUARDIAN, and POSEIDON ARCHER, where they were involved in the most dynamic combat action in defense of the strike group and freedom of navigation since World War II,” the story said.

Evans was a Naval Flight Officer who enlisted in August 2010, the story said. She was commissioned through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps following her time at the University of Southern California.

“Evans always carried herself as a humble yet strong leader — the quiet professional. As an EA-18G Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) and veteran of two sea tours, she earned the respect of the entire Growler community for her tactical expertise, mentorship to those of all ranks and communities, and ability to bring out the best in everyone around her,” the story said.

The story highlighted some notable moments from Evans’ career, including when she was part of the all-female Super Bowl flyover in 2023. This moment marked 50 years of women flying in the Navy.

Evans was one of few women to fly combat missions over land after she coordinated and executed multiple combat strikes into Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen during her 2023-24 deployment, the story said.

“Evans was awarded two Single Action Air Medals for her exceptional performance during strikes on January 12 and 22, 2024. She also earned three Strike Flight Air Medals for her contributions to missions flown between December 21, 2023, and March 29, 2024,” the story said.

Described as “the heart and soul,” Wileman was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in Newport Rhode Island, the story said.

“As a senior first-tour Naval Aviator, she established herself as an energetic, vocal, and positive influence in VAQ-130. Known for her heart of gold, passion, and unrelenting smile, Wileman was always committed to improve and grow, not only for herself but every Sailor and officer around her,” the story said.

Wileman planned and subsequently flew multiple strikes into Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen, making her one of the few women to fly combat missions over land during her 2023-24 deployment, the story said.

“Due to her unrelenting efforts, Wileman accrued three Strike Flight Air Medals for her role in combat operations between December 17, 2023, and April 5, 2024,” the story said.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, the Navy said.

To help with recovery efforts, Gov. Jay Inslee authorized on Sunday for the Washington National Guard to provide 24/7 security at assigned traffic control points, according to his website.

“Trudi and I send our condolences to the families of these two U.S. Navy service members,” Inslee said in a statement. “These moments remind us of the risks military service members take on in service to our homeland. Every day, whether in training or in combat, their courage and honor are the same. We join all Washingtonians in expressing gratitude to the many teams who have been assisting with search and rescue operations including the Yakama Nation, Yakima County, King County, WSDOT Air Search & Rescue, and our Washington National Guard.”

U.S. Senator Patty Murray expressed her condolences in a statement on Monday.

“I am heartbroken to learn about the passing of Lt. Commander Lyndsay Evans. I was honored to have met her at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, and I am deeply grateful for her courage and sacrifice in service to our country. She was a leader who broke barriers and made history,” the statement said.

“Similarly, I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Lt. Serena Wileman. Our servicemembers put their lives on the line every day — their bravery exemplifies the best of America. As we mourn the passing of these two courageous heroes, we must remember our commitment to honor them not only with words but by supporting the families they leave behind. I am so proud of both of these women for their trailblazing careers—their service has no doubt made a difference, clearing a path for the women who will come after them. The families and friends of Lt. Commander Evans and Lt. Wileman are in my thoughts during this difficult time.”