Bodies of naval pilots who died in Washington state training accident will be brought home

SEATTLE — The remains of two pilots who lost their lives in a tragic jet crash during a training flight in Washington state last month are set to return home soon from Dover Air Force Base, according to statements from the Navy.

Lt. Serena Wileman, hailing from California, is expected to arrive back on Monday, as announced by the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. Meanwhile, the remains of Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans will be repatriated later in the week during a private ceremony, respecting her family’s wishes.

The two aviators tragically lost their lives when their EA-18G Growler jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron, also known as the “Zappers,” crashed east of Mount Rainier on October 15. The accident took place at approximately 6,000 feet in a remote and rugged, heavily forested region. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the crash.

Lt. Cmdr. Evans, originally from Palmdale, California, made significant history by being part of the first all-female pilot team that conducted a flyover during Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023. This event was a notable celebration of 50 years of women serving as pilots in the Navy, dating back to when the first female candidates entered U.S. Navy flight school in 1973.

Lt. Wileman, who also served as a naval aviator, was commissioned in 2018 and became part of the Zapper squadron based on Whidbey Island in 2021. During her service, she received numerous commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon.

The EA-18G Growler, which both pilots were operating, is a specialized version of the F/A-18F Super Hornet. It serves vital roles in tactical jamming and providing electronic warfare support to U.S. forces and their allies, as noted by its manufacturer, Boeing. The first Growler was delivered to the Whidbey Island facility in 2008.