U.S. Navy officials on Monday identified the two crew members killed in last week's Navy jet crash near Mount Rainier in Washington state as two 31-year-old aviators from California.
The fighter pilot was identified as Lt. Col. Naval Flight Officer Lindsey P. Evans and Naval Aviator Lt. Selina N. Wileman.
Evans and Wileman were killed Tuesday afternoon when an EA-18G Growler fighter jet assigned to the Electronic Attack Squadron from Naval Air Station Whibey Island crashed into the east flank of Mount Rainier.
The jet's wreckage lies about 6,000 feet above the ground in a remote, steep wooded area, and the fate of the crew remained a mystery until Sunday, with no on-site investigation of the wreckage area.
Navy plane found after crash near Mount Rainier, Washington
An EA-18G Growler takes off from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island during a 2016 exercise. (Ken Lambert/Seattle Times, via AP)
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.
After Evans and Wileman were found on Sunday, efforts shifted from search and rescue operations to recovery efforts.
Evans, a native of Palmdale, Calif., made history as part of the first female team to fly over the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, 2023, which celebrates 50 years of women's flight in the Navy, Navy spokesman Steve Fee said. Bing said. Associated Press.
Jet plane crashes near Mount Rainier in Washington; Navy confirms crew members dead
Lieutenant Commander Lindsey Evans, Naval Flight Officer. (U.S. Navy, via AP)
In 1973, women first began enrolling in U.S. Naval Flight School.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country,” Evans said. Los Angeles Times “Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than yourself,” he said in an article about high-flying flights in 2023.
Wileman entered the Navy in 2018 and joined the “Zapper” squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in 2021. During his career, he received the National Defense Medal, the Naval Unit Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Navy parachutist crash lands on mother and boy during San Francisco performance: video
Naval aviator Lieutenant Serena Wileman. (U.S. Navy, via AP)
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) released a statement regarding the deaths of Evans and Wilman.
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Lt. Col. Lindsey Evans and Lt. Selina Wileman,” Murray wrote to X. will come after them. ”
The Navy said an investigation into the cause of the crash was underway.
US Navy looks to robots and artificial intelligence to expand ship health and maintenance
A U.S. Navy pickup truck was seen Thursday in a parking lot near Pear Butte in Yakima County as the search continues for two EA-18G Growler fighter pilots who crashed east of Mount Rainier, Washington. (Nick Wagner/Seattle Times, via AP)
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 was first produced in October 2004.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
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.
Each plane costs $67 million.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
