Navy Plane Crashes Near Mount Rainier, Search Underway

On Tuesday evening, a U. S. Navy aircraft, an EA-18G Growler, experienced a crash while on a routine training mission in the vicinity of Mount Rainier, Washington. The plane, which is designed for electronic warfare and is part of the F/A-18 family, was carrying two crew members. As of 7 p. m. on October 15, their status remained unclear, according to the Navy. The search for the missing crew members is being conducted by a Navy MH-60S helicopter, which took off from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, located north of Seattle. This base is also home to the aircraft's squadron, Electronic Attack Squadron 130, also known as VAQ-130, or the "Zappers. " This squadron is notable for being the oldest electronic warfare squadron in the Navy. The Navy has assured that more details will be provided as they become available. The crash serves as a reminder of the risks involved in military training operations and the importance of search and rescue efforts.