The Navy community is mourning the loss of two talented aviators who tragically died in an EA-18G Growler crash last week near Mount Rainier in Washington State.
The victims were identified as Lt. Serena Wileman and Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans, both just 31 years old, who were part of the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130.
Their loss is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks military aviators take each day, and it leaves a void not only in their squadron but throughout the Navy.
Recap of the Crash
The crash happened on a routine training flight on Tuesday, October 15, afternoon in a remote, steep, and heavily wooded area east of Mount Rainier.
The challenging location—snow-covered and deep in the wilderness—posed significant difficulties for the Navy’s search and rescue efforts.
The aircraft went down around 3:20 PM Pacific time, but it wasn’t until Friday that the crash site was located. By that time, search efforts had shifted from rescue to recovery.
In the days following the accident, the Navy enlisted help from various partner agencies, including soldiers from the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
These specialized teams brought critical skills, including mountaineering, high-angle rescue, and medical expertise, to navigate the difficult Cascade Mountain Range terrain.
The crash site itself was described as a “snow-covered, wilderness environment,” making recovery efforts particularly challenging.
Remembering Lt. Serena Wileman and Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans
Lt. Serena Wileman and Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans were not just names on a roster; they were remarkable individuals who left a lasting impact on those who knew them.
Both women were accomplished aviators with significant experience, even at relatively young ages.
Wileman, a California native, commissioned as a naval officer in 2018. She joined the VAQ-130 “Zappers” in November 2022, following her completion of flight training. Known for her infectious positivity and energy, she quickly established herself as a rising star within the squadron.
Her love for flying was matched by her commitment to those around her—she was described as someone who always sought to improve not just for herself but for everyone in the squadron.
Outside of the cockpit, Wileman was a warm and compassionate presence who had a knack for brightening up any room she entered. She leaves behind her husband, Brandon, who is also a naval aviator.
Evans, also from California, had an extensive history with the Navy, having enlisted in 2010 before commissioning as an officer in 2014 through the ROTC program at the University of Southern California.
A seasoned electronic warfare officer, she had previously served with Electronic Attack Squadron 136 and as an instructor at the Electronic Attack Weapons School before joining VAQ-130 in 2023.
Evans was widely respected for her tactical expertise and leadership, even earning the title of Growler Tactics Instructor of the Year for Fiscal Year 2024. She had participated in an all-female flyover during the 2023 Super Bowl, and her combat experience included coordinating multiple strikes against the Houthis in Yemen.
Evans was a trailblazer and mentor, known for her dedication and the high standards she set.
The Current Status of the Investigation
As of now, the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and details are still emerging.
The Navy has not released specific information about what may have led to the incident, but given the nature of military aviation and the rugged conditions near the crash site, many factors could be at play.
It’s clear, though, that the investigation will be thorough, as the Navy works to determine what went wrong and how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The crash highlights the inherent risks associated with military aviation.
Even routine training missions can turn perilous in an instant. While the public may often view training as “just practice,” for aviators like Wileman and Evans, every flight carries the potential for danger. Their dedication to their craft and their courage in facing these risks deserve recognition.
A Difficult Road Ahead
For the families, friends, and fellow service members of Wileman and Evans, the days ahead will undoubtedly be tough.
Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of VAQ-130, expressed his deep sorrow in a statement, saying:
“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.”
The outpouring of grief and support from the Navy community and beyond shows just how much these two aviators meant to those around them. They were also pioneers in a field that has not always been welcoming to women.
Honoring Their Legacy
As the investigation continues and the Navy works to recover from this tragedy, there will undoubtedly be questions about what could have been done to prevent the crash.
However, it’s important to also focus on honoring the legacy of Lt. Wileman and Lt. Cmdr. Evans.
They were not just victims of a tragic accident—they were skilled professionals who made significant contributions to their squadron and the Navy at large.
Their stories remind us of the bravery required to serve as military aviators, facing not only the dangers of war but also the perils of training.
Both women had flown combat missions against the Houthis in Yemen, making them among the few female aviators to have done so. Their service and sacrifices are a testament to their dedication to their country and to the broader mission of the US Navy.
Moving Forward
The loss of Lt. Wileman and Lt. Cmdr. Evans will undoubtedly be felt for a long time, but their legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew them and in the stories that will be shared about their lives. As the investigation continues, the Navy will have to grapple with the lessons learned from this incident to improve safety and training procedures for the future.
For now, the priority remains supporting the families of the fallen and the entire Growler community as they navigate this difficult time.
The impact these two women had on their squadron and the Navy is clear, and while their loss is a devastating blow, their memories will continue to inspire those who follow in their footsteps.
