The Navy has identified two female naval aviators who died when their EA-18G Growler aircraft crashed near Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington state.
Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, 31, of Palmdale, California, and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, 31, of California, were both assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130, known as the “Zappers.” The crash occurred as Navy and Washington state officials launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Evans served as a Naval Flight Officer and made history in 2023 as part of the first all-female flyover at Super Bowl LVII, commemorating five decades of women in naval aviation. Wileman was commissioned as a Naval Aviator in 2018 and joined the Zappers three years later.
Commendations and Service
Wileman earned multiple commendations during her service, including the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon. Both aviators were based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, located north of Seattle.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of two cherished Zappers,” said Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, the squadron’s commanding officer. “Our priority is supporting their families, our sailors, and the Growler community.”
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee authorized the National Guard to establish round-the-clock security near the crash site, while Navy teams prepared for a long-term salvage operation. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Tributes and Investigation
U.S. Senator Patty Murray, who had met Evans during a previous base visit, described her as “a pioneering leader who broke barriers and made history.” Murray also extended condolences to Wileman’s family, stating that both aviators “paved the way for generations of women who will follow in their footsteps.”
The EA-18G Growler, valued at approximately $67 million, serves as the Navy’s primary electronic warfare platform and is derived from the F/A-18 Super Hornet. The aircraft arrived at Whidbey Island in 2008 and has been instrumental in global military operations.
This story has been updated. CNN’s military affairs team contributed to this report.
