**Two US Navy Aviators Identified in Fatal Jet Crash Near Mount Rainier**

The US Navy on Monday identified the two crew members who tragically lost their lives in a fighter jet crash near Mount Rainier last week. The fatalities include Lieutenant Commander Lyndsay P. Evans and Lieutenant Serena N. Wileman, both aged 31 and hailing from California.

Evans and Wileman were on a training flight in an EA-18G Growler jet from the "Zappers" Electronic Attack Squadron when the aircraft went down last Tuesday. The crash site, located in a remote, heavily wooded area east of Mount Rainier, was discovered at approximately 6,000 feet in elevation by an aerial crew the following day.

Lieutenant Commander Evans, from Palmdale, California, had previously made history by participating in the first-ever all-female flyover at Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of women in naval aviation. "Serving in the navy means being part of something bigger than yourself," Evans told the Los Angeles Times.

Lieutenant Wileman, who was commissioned in 2018 and joined the Zapper squadron on Whidbey Island in 2021, had earned several distinctions during her service, including the national defense service medal, navy unit commendation medal, and a combat action ribbon.

In response to the tragedy, Commander Timothy Warburton of Electronic Attack Squadron 130 expressed deep sorrow. "It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers," he stated. He emphasized the squadron’s priority is now supporting the fallen aviators' families and the well-being of the Growler community.

The incident has prompted a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash. In the meantime, recovery operations are underway with assistance from the Washington state national guard, which is providing security at key traffic control points following authorization from Governor Jay Inslee.

Senator Patty Murray also expressed her condolences, highlighting the significant contributions of both aviators. Murray described Evans as a leader who broke barriers and voiced her pride in both Evans and Wileman for their trailblazing careers.

The navy continues its recovery efforts and recognizes the global impact and operational history of the Growler aircraft, first delivered to Whidbey Island in 2008. Despite this tragic event, the aircraft remains a cornerstone of the navy's electronic attack capabilities.