**Navy Confirms Death of Two Aviators in EA-18G Growler Crash Near Mount Rainier**

Last week's tragic crash of an EA-18G Growler east of Mount Rainier has resulted in the unfortunate death of the two personnel on board, as confirmed by the United States Navy. Commander Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, expressed his condolences: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers.” Warburton emphasized the squadron's immediate focus on supporting the families of the fallen aviators and ensuring the welfare of their community.

The identities of the aviators will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been informed, according to Navy policy, as a mark of respect for the grieving families.

The aircraft, part of Electronic Attack Wing Pacific, was on a "routine training flight" when it crashed into a mountainside on Tuesday afternoon. Aerial search crews located the crash site in a steep and heavily wooded area at around 6,000 feet elevation on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. Due to the remote and rugged nature of the crash location, it is inaccessible by motorized vehicles, presenting significant challenges to recovery efforts.

Assistance in locating the aircraft and the crew was requested from the Yakima County Sheriff's Office's search and rescue team, and local law enforcement, as well as soldiers from the 1st Special Forces Group based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Their specialized skills in mountaineering, high-angle rescue, medical support, and technical communication have proven crucial in navigating the difficult terrain of the Cascade Mountain Range.

The Navy has established an emergency operations center at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to coordinate the response. Personnel on the ground are focused on recovering debris and planning long-term salvage and recovery operations.

The EA-18G Growler, similar to the F/A-18F Super Hornet used by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, is known for its sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities. All Growler squadrons, except one stationed in Japan, are based at NASWI. Boeing describes the Growler as the most advanced airborne electronic attack platform currently in production. The jet boasts a 44.9-foot wingspan, is 60.2 feet long, 16 feet tall, and weighs 33,094 pounds when empty with 44,000 pounds of thrust.

This tragic event marks a significant loss for VAQ-130, known as "The Zappers," and underscores the inherent risks faced by military aviators during their service.