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Remains of naval aviators killed during a training flight in Washington state to return home

Remains of naval aviators killed during a training flight in Washington state to return home

SEATTLE – The remains of two airmen who died when their jet crashed during a training flight in Washington state last month will return home from Dover Air Force Base in the coming days, the Navy said.

The remains of Lt. Serena Wileman, a California native, were expected to be returned Monday, according to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. Lt. Cmdr. In accordance with her family’s wishes, Lyndsay Evans’ remains will be returned later this week as part of a private service.

The two were killed when their EA-18G Growler jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron, known as “Zappers,” crashed on Oct. 15 east of Mount Rainier.

The crash occurred at an altitude of approximately 1,828 meters in a remote, steep and densely forested area. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Evans, a Navy flight officer from Palmdale, California, made history as part of the team of female pilots that led the first-ever all-women flyover of Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, 2023, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Navy women flying.

The first female candidates began their studies at the United States Naval Flight School in 1973.

Wileman, a Naval Aviator, was commissioned in 2018 and joined Zapper Squadron on Whidbey Island, Washington, in 2021. She earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Naval Unit Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.

This undated photo released by the United States Navy shows Lt....

This undated photo released by the United States Navy shows Lt. Serena Wileman, a naval aviator. Source: AP

According to manufacturer Boeing, the EA-18G Growler is a variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet and provides tactical disruption and electronic protection to U.S. and allied forces. The first Growler was delivered to Whidbey Island in 2008.