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

SEATTLE – The remains of two pilots who died during their the jet crashed during a training flight in Washington state last month, he 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 died when their EA-18G Growler jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron, known as “Zappers”, crashed east of Mount Rainier October 15.

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 naval flight officer from Palmdale, California, made history as part of the team of women pilots that conducted the first-ever all-female Super Bowl LVII flyover on February 12, 2023, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of women in the Navy.

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

Wileman, a naval aviator, was commissioned in 2018 joined the Zapper squadron on Whidbey Island, Washington in 2021. She earned the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal and Combat Action Badge.

The EA-18G Growler is a variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet i provides tactical jamming and electronic protection according to manufacturer Boeing, to US forces and allies. The first Growler was delivered to Whidbey Island in 2008.