Two Navy crew members died Jet fighter plane crashes near Mount Rainier A pair of pioneering aviators were recognized last week, including a female pilot who was part of a historic flyover at last year’s Super Bowl.
California native Lt. Cmdr. Officials said Lindsey P. Evans, a naval flight officer, and Lieutenant Serena N. Willeman, a naval aviator, both died when their EA-18G Growler jet crashed Tuesday during a training flight near a Washington state mountain.
The two 31-year-old women were part of an electronic attack squadron known as “Zappers” that carried out several strikes on Houthi militants last year as part of Carrier Air Wing Three.
The pair were declared dead on Sunday after an air crew spotted the debris at about 6,000 feet in remote, steep and heavily wooded terrain, according to officials.
“With heavy hearts we share the loss of two beloved zappers,” said Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron 130.
“Our priority right now is to take care of the families of our fallen aviators and ensure the well-being of our sailors and the growler community. We are grateful for the ongoing teamwork to safely recover the deceased.
A Navy spokesperson said Evans was part of a historic moment when she participated in the first-ever all-female flyover at Super Bowl LVII to commemorate 50 years of women flying in the Navy.
During the nine-month-long 2023-24 deployment, they coordinated and executed multiple airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, the Defense Visual Information Distribution Services said.
Willeman, who joined the Navy in 2018, also planned and flew multiple strikes against the Houthis in Yemen during her 2023-24 deployment.
Officials said both Willeman and Evans were among a small group of women who flew ground combat missions. Successful missions led to praise for each.
Wilman also earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon.
“I have personally flown with both of these great Americans in training and dynamic combat missions and they have always performed professionally and accurately,” Capt. Marvin Scott, commander of CVW-3, said in a statement.
“As true leaders in the Growler community, VAQ-130, and my air wing, their contributions cannot be overestimated; I couldn’t be more proud to serve with each of them.”
The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
with post wires
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