Two California Pilots Lost in Fighter Jet Crash

Last week, a tragic event occurred when an EA-18G Growler jet from the US Navy crashed near Mount Rainier. The two crew members on board, both female pilots from California, were identified by the navy on Monday. Lt Cdr Lyndsay P Evans and Lt Serena N Wileman, both 31 years old, lost their lives during a training flight. Evans, from Palmdale, California, made history as part of the first all-female flyover during Super Bowl LVII in February 2023. This flyover celebrated 50 years of women flying in the navy. She joined the navy to serve her country and believed in being part of something bigger. Wileman, commissioned in 2018, joined the Electronic Attack Squadron, known as the "Zappers, " on Whidbey Island in 2021. She earned several medals, including the national defense service medal and a combat action ribbon.The crash happened on Tuesday, and the wreckage was found the next day at around 6, 000 feet in a remote, steep, and heavily wooded area. The navy declared the aviators dead on Sunday and has since switched to recovery operations. Cdr Timothy Warburton, the commanding officer, expressed his grief and the squadron's gratitude for the teamwork in recovering the deceased. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. The EA-18G Growler, first produced in 2008, is a significant part of the navy's airborne electronic attack capabilities. Each aircraft costs about $67 million. Senator Patty Murray expressed her deep condolences, highlighting the courage and sacrifice of Evans and Wileman, who broke barriers and made history in their service.