The U.S. Navy paid tribute to two pilots who lost their lives in a jet crash close to Mount Rainier last Monday.
Both women lived in California and were 31 years old.
They are well-known for their bravery, diligence, and outstanding work output.
The incident occurred during an EA-18G Growler training flight.
Lieutenant Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, a Navy Mission Officer, and Lieutenant Serena N. Wileman, a Navy Aviator, were the pilots.
Squadron 130 of Electronic Attack was known as the “Zappers”.
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington served as its headquarters.
According to Navy authorities, the incident occurred during a routine training flight last Tuesday.
The following day, search teams started searching for the wreckage, which was located in a secluded, forested region of the Cascade Mountains at an elevation of about 6,000 feet above sea level.
The ground was rugged and the weather was awful, making the search very difficult.
After announcing the deaths of both pilots, the Navy officially shifted its mission from search and rescue to recovery on Sunday.
The Zappers’ manager, Timothy Warburton, sent out a genuine message:
“The loss of two of our most cherished squadron members is truly heartbreaking. Keeping our employees and the Growler community safe and supporting their families is our primary priority right now. We appreciate everyone’s assistance in safely retrieving their bodies.
It was believed that Lt. Cmdr. Evans would make a significant contribution to Navy aviation.
Palmdale, California, is where he was born.
On February 12, 2023, she was among the women who flew above Super Bowl LVII.
Fifty years have passed since women began attending Navy flight school.
Her achievements gave other women hope that they could do more and encouraged them to enlist in the military.
Serena Wileman became a member of the Navy in 2018 and was assigned to command the Zappers squadron.
She’s from California, too.
During her service, she received numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Her coworkers praised her for being honest, courageous, and committed—qualities that the Navy instilled in her.
According to Governor Jay Inslee, the Navy requested assistance from Washington’s National Guard to maintain the safety of the region surrounding the accident scene.
He consented, so the rehabilitation process could continue.
The inquiry into the reason of the crash is still ongoing.
Although the Navy hasn’t yet disclosed its theories, they have promised to conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine what went wrong and ensure that it doesn’t occur again.
The Navy’s mission depends heavily on the EA-18G Growler.
The F/A-18F Super Hornet, a modified version designed for electronic warfare, was first produced in 2008.
Each plane has an electronic warfare officer and a pilot.
In order to make it safer for other planes in combat, the objective is to block enemy radar and communications.
Approximately $67 million is spent on each Growler, which has been utilized for significant missions worldwide.
According to the Navy, the aircraft was
“The most sophisticated instrument for electronic attacks from the air and the Navy’s first line of defense in hazardous areas.”
Many people have paid their respects since the incident.
Washington Senator Patty Murray expressed her sadness.
When she visited Whidbey Island, she met Lt. Cmdr. Evans and complimented her on her bravery and commitment.
“She was a trailblazer who made history,” Murray added.
“I’m proud of women and the industries they work in that have pushed boundaries. The next generation of women who choose to enlist in the military now have an easier time doing so.
She also expressed sympathy for Lt. Wileman’s family.
The Navy community has been greatly impacted by the tragedy.
For women who aspired to be combat pilots, both ladies served as excellent mentors and role models.
Their abilities, passion, and determination continue to motivate their coworkers and future generations.
Whidbey Island is a place of great suffering.
The tragic deaths of two teenage pilots serve as a reminder of the lethal nature of military training.
Recovery crews are now making every effort to salvage as much as they can from the accident site, which has always been close to the Zappers.
Because of the poor conditions, officials believe it will take some time.
What matters most is how Lt. Serena Wileman and Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans lived, not how they passed away.
Wileman’s numerous accolades demonstrated her commitment to and excellence in her work.
Evans will be remembered as a trailblazer who allowed women to work in aviation.
Brave, visionary, and unselfish, these women were the best in the Navy.
Though their memories will endure, it is regrettable that they are no longer with us.
For what they did for us, the Navy and the nation will always be thankful.
