Lt. Serena N. Wileman, 31, a naval aviator, and Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, 31, a naval flight officer, were killed Oct. 15, 2024, when the EA-18G Growler that they were flying crashed near Mount Rainier in Washington state. (U.S. Navy)
Two aviators who died when their fighter jet crashed last week near Mount Rainier during routine training were a trailblazing female duo who recently returned from a Red Sea deployment, the Navy said.
Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans and Lt. Serena Wileman, both 31, were identified Monday by Naval Air Forces Pacific. The two were declared dead Sunday — five days after the EA-18G Growler jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron 130, nicknamed “Zappers,” went down east of Mount Rainier in Washington state.
“More than just names and ranks, they were role models, trailblazers, and women whose influence touched countless people on the flight deck and well beyond,” according to a tribute from Carrier Strike Group 2, the unit with which the aviators recently deployed.
Evans’ and Wileman’s fates were unknown Oct. 15 following the crash, which proved difficult to locate. On Wednesday, search and rescue crews found the wreckage site resting at about 6,000 feet in a remote, heavily wooded area that was inaccessible by foot or vehicle. Special Forces soldiers trained in mountaineering, high-angle rescue and technical communications were brought in Thursday to reach the wreckage and locate the aviators.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers,” Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of the aviators’ Electronic Attack Squadron, said Sunday.
Evans, a naval flight officer, commissioned in 2014. Evans was a native of Palmdale in Southern California’s Antelope Valley, according to a report in the Culver City Observer highlighting her role as a pilot in an all-female flyover of the 2023 Super Bowl. The newspaper said she graduated from Paraclete High School in 2010 and graduated from the University of Southern California in 2014. Her awards include the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
Wileman, also a California native, was commissioned in 2018 from Officer Candidate School. She reported in November 2022 to the squadron, which is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. Her awards include the National Defense Service Medal and three Strike-Flight Air medals. Both women also were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon for their roles in defending maritime merchant ships from Houthi drone attacks during their recent deployment. Evans and Wileman are among the few women to fly combat missions over land, flying multiple strikes into Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen, according to the Navy.
The duo returned in July from a nearly nine-month deployment with the strike group as a part of Carrier Air Wing 3 aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. They primarily operated in the Red Sea.
“During their deployment, Evans and Wileman distinguished themselves in combat operations. Their efforts directly contributed to the Navy’s mission defending U.S. and coalition forces while keeping the seas open and free with precision and purpose,” Carrier Strike Group 2 said. “These role models cemented legacies by making history that will inspire future generations of Naval officers and aviators.”
Capt. Marvin Scott, commander of Carrier Air Wing 3, said Evans and Wileman will be remembered for their tenacity, their outstanding contributions to the defense of others and the positive energy they brought to naval aviation.
“As true leaders in the Growler community, [Electronic Attack Squadron 130], and across my air wing, their contributions cannot be overstated. I could not be more proud to have served with each of them,” Scott said. “Every member of the [Carrier Air Wing 3] Battle Axe Team is heartbroken at the loss of these exceptional warriors.”
