### U.S. Navy Confirms Deaths of Missing Aviators from EA-18G Growler Crash Near Mount Rainier

SEATTLE – Tragically, the U.S. Navy announced on Sunday that the two crew members missing from the jet that crashed east of Mount Rainier on October 15 have been confirmed deceased. Consequently, Navy operations have transitioned from search and rescue efforts to the recovery of the remains.

The Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, known as the "Zappers," mourns the loss of two of its members. Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, the squadron's commanding officer, conveyed a message of sorrow, emphasizing the priority of supporting the families of the fallen crew members and attending to the well-being of the squadron and the broader Growler aircraft community. Cmdr. Warburton also expressed gratitude for the teamwork in safely recovering the deceased.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island officials detailed that the crash involved an EA-18G Growler, an electronic warfare aircraft that had departed from Oak Harbor on Tuesday afternoon. The crash occurred at approximately 3:23 p.m.

This tragic incident is the first fatal jet crash at NAS Whidbey since March 11, 2013, when three aviators were killed due to pilot error. The names of the recently deceased crew members will be released once their next of kin have been notified.