MOUNT RAINIER, WA. (THECOUNT) — Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, 31, and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, 31, two decorated U.S. Navy aviators, were tragically killed when their EA-18G Growler fighter jet crashed near Mount Rainier in Washington State last week. Both had recently returned from a Middle East deployment, where they played critical roles in combat missions against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
The crash, which occurred on Tuesday, is currently under investigation. The aviators were on a routine training mission when their aircraft went down in challenging weather and rugged terrain, delaying search and rescue efforts for several days. The wreckage was ultimately found in a remote and heavily wooded area, about 6,000 feet east of Mount Rainier.
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Distinguished Military Careers
Evans and Wileman were both part of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, which had deployed on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Their squadron was engaged in critical operations in the Middle East, helping defend international shipping lanes and conducting strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen. These missions were vital in maintaining the security of maritime routes in the region, which had been repeatedly targeted by the Houthis.
Capt. Chris “Chowdah” Hill, the commanding officer of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of the two officers. “These warriors of VAQ-130 will forever be part of the Ike family, having served with us heroically on our recent deployment. I loved working with them both—just incredible energy and beautiful souls,” Hill said, paying tribute to their contributions to the squadron and the Navy.
Evans’ Heroic Service and Public Recognition
Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, whose Navy callsign was “Miley,” had distinguished herself through multiple combat strikes over Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Her service included two major airstrikes in January of this year, for which she was awarded Single Action Air Medals. In addition, Evans was also awarded three Strike Flight Air Medals for missions carried out between December and March of 2024. Her achievements made her one of the first women to fly combat missions over land for the U.S. Navy, marking her as a trailblazer in her field.
Evans was no stranger to high-profile military engagements. In 2023, she participated in the all-female flyover at Super Bowl LVII, an event celebrating 50 years of women flying in the Navy. “It’s just super exciting to get the honor to be chosen,” Evans told Seattle’s King 5 News before the event, demonstrating her pride in her role as both a pilot and a pioneer for women in the military.
Wileman’s Valor in Combat
Lt. Serena N. Wileman, known by her Navy callsign “Dug,” was equally celebrated for her service. She was awarded three Strike Flight Air Medals for her role in combat missions carried out between December 2023 and March 2024. Wileman’s valor and skill as an aviator were well recognized by her peers and commanding officers, and she was deeply respected for her dedication to her squadron and the Navy’s mission in the Middle East.
Wileman and Evans often flew together in the EA-18G Growler, a modified version of the F/A-18 fighter jet designed for electronic warfare. Their partnership and camaraderie in the cockpit mirrored their joint commitment to defending U.S. interests abroad.
A Tragic End
The cause of the crash that claimed the lives of Evans and Wileman remains under investigation, but the loss has been felt deeply throughout the Navy and the broader military community. The difficult search and recovery efforts, hampered by adverse weather and steep terrain, stretched for three days before the wreckage of the aircraft was located. The Navy continues to examine the details of the crash to determine what went wrong during the routine training flight.
Legacy of Service
Both aviators leave behind a legacy of exemplary service and sacrifice. Their dedication to protecting international waters and their heroic actions in combat against the Houthis will be remembered by their squadron and the Navy. As the investigation continues, their families, friends, and fellow servicemembers mourn the loss of two courageous and talented aviators.
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