This story has been updated to include additional information from the Navy.
The Navy declared the crew of a EA-18G Growler deceased following a crash last week.
The Navy, as well as partner agencies, will continue to search the site, located in a steep, heavily-wooded area east of Mount Rainier, as well as recover debris and plan for salvage. Efforts are now considered recovery, according to a Navy release Sunday afternoon.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers,” Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, said in the release. “Our priority right now is taking care of the families of our fallen aviators, and ensuring the well-being of our Sailors and the Growler community. We are grateful for the ongoing teamwork to safely recover the deceased.”
The identities of the two crew members will be withheld until next of kin notification.
The Navy reached the remote crash location Friday.
Navy personnel, as well as other law enforcement and partner agencies, including Army special forces, are all involved in the search and recovery process. The release described the search area as “snow-covered, wilderness environment.” The wreck is in an area approximately 6,000 feet high, the service said in an earlier release.
“Soldiers from 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord are assisting in the search,” the Navy said in a news release. “1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) brings specialized mountaineering, high-angle rescue, medical, and technical communication skills necessary to navigate the difficult terrain associated with the Cascade Mountain Range that is inaccessible by other means.”
The Growler, from the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, crashed at 3:20 p.m. Pacific time Tuesday during a routine training flight, according to a Tuesday Navy release.
The Navy found the aircraft the next day, USNI News previously reported. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
