U.S. Navy officials confirmed Sunday that the two crew members of a Navy plane that crashed near Washington's Mount Rainier last week have been found and pronounced dead.
An EA-18G Growler fighter jet from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island's Electronic Attack Squadron crashed into the east flank of Mount Rainier Tuesday afternoon. The plane's wreckage lay in a remote, steep, wooded area some 6,000 feet above the ground, but the fate of the crew remained unknown until a field survey of the wreckage area was conducted.
Army Special Forces Soldiers are trained in the mountaineering, high-angle rescue, medical and technical communication skills necessary to navigate difficult terrain and assist in efforts to locate missing crew members as quickly as possible. did.
On Sunday, the Navy announced that the Pacific Electronic Attack Wing had transitioned from search and rescue operations to recovery operations, noting that two missing crew members had been located and pronounced dead.
Navy plane found after crash near Mount Rainier, Washington
The crew of an EA-18G Growler that crashed near Mount Rainier in Washington was pronounced dead by the Navy on Sunday. (U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Montano)
“We are very saddened by the loss of our two beloved Zappers,” said Commander Timothy Warburton, commander of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, on Sunday. “Our current priorities are to care for the families of the downed airmen and ensure the well-being of our sailors and Growler communities. We are committed to continued teamwork to safely recover the deceased.” Thank you very much.”
The Navy said in a press release that out of respect for the family and in accordance with Navy policy, the identity of the crew member will not be released for 24 hours after next of kin is notified.
The Navy said personnel will remain on site to collect debris and develop long-term salvage and recovery plans.
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The U.S. Navy confirmed Sunday that two crew members of a Navy plane that crashed near Mount Rainier have been pronounced dead. (Photo by Thomas O'Neill/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The Navy added that an investigation into the cause of the crash was ongoing.
The EA-18G is a variant of the F/A-18 family of aircraft and is equipped with an advanced electronic warfare suite used for tactical interdiction and electronic protection, according to the Navy's website. This jet was built to replace the EA-6B Prowler and first entered production in October 2004.
The jet made its maiden flight in August 2006, and the aircraft's first delivery took place on June 3, 2008 to VAQ 129 at NAS Whidbey Island.
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Each plane costs $67 million.
