The Navy identified the two Growler crew members who died after a crash last week as naval aviator Lt. Serena Wileman and naval flight officer Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans.
Wileman, 31, of California, commissioned in July 2018. She joined the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 in November 2022. It was her first unit assignment following flight training, according to her Navy bio.
Evans, 31, from California, enlisted in the Navy in August 2010 and commissioned as an officer through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at University of Southern California, Los Angeles in May 2014. She joined the VAQ-130 in September 2023. She previously served on the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136 from November 2017 to August 2020 before going to Electronic Attack Weapons School.
“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,” reads a Navy release.
The two most recently were deployed aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), which spent seven of its nine-month deployment in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian. The carrier and its air wing returned home in July.
“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 Sunday Navy 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.”
Evans was part of the all-female flyover during the Super Bowl in 2023. She was a Growler Tactics Instructor (GTI), recognized as the Growler Tactics Instructor of the Year for Fiscal Year 2024, according to a Navy release.
“As an EA-18G Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) and veteran of two sea tours, she earned the respect of the entire Growler community for her tactical expertise, mentorship to those of all ranks and communities, and ability to bring out the best in everyone around her,” reads the Navy release.
She was one of the few women to fly combat missions over land, as she coordinated and participated in multiple combat strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, according to the Navy release.
Wileman also conducted multiple strikes on the Houthis in Yemen, making her another one of the few women to fly combat missions, according to the Navy release.
“As a senior first-tour Naval Aviator, she established herself as an energetic, vocal, and positive influence in VAQ-130. Known for her heart of gold, passion, and unrelenting smile, Wileman was always committed to improve and grow, not only for herself but every Sailor and officer around her,” reads the release.
In addition to being a naval aviator, Wileman was a landing signal officer, responsible for making sure aircraft landed safely aboard Ike.
“Outside the cockpit, Wileman made everyone smile. She would brighten up any room and was known for her genuine care and compassion for those around her. She always brought a sense of calm, in the good times and bad, whether it was through a joke, a game of cribbage, or a giant bear hug for a Sailor in need of one,” reads the release.
Wileman leaves behind her husband, Brandon, who she met during flight school. He also serves as a naval aviator.
The two both were dog moms, something the two women bonded over. Evans leaves behind Nix, an Australian shepherd, while Wileman owned Riley, a Chiweenie mix.
The EA-18G Growler crashed last week in a remote area, described as a steep, heavily wooded area east of Mount Rainier. The location of the crash site, described as a “snow-covered, wilderness environment,” made it difficult for the Navy to conduct search and rescue efforts, which turned to recovery efforts on Sunday.
The Navy brought in multiple partner agencies to assist with their search efforts, including Army special forces. Ongoing efforts to search the site, recover debris and plan for salvage continue.
“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 located the crash site on Friday.
