On Monday, the Navy identified the fallen crew members as Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, 31, of Palmdale, California, and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, 31, of California. Both were assigned to the Electronic Attack Squadron 130, known as the “Zappers,” based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, had recently made history as part of the first all-female flyover at Super Bowl LVII in 2023, honoring five decades of women in naval aviation. Wileman, a Naval Aviator commissioned in 2018, joined the Zappers three years later and earned multiple awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
The wreckage was found a day after the crash at roughly 6,000 feet in steep, heavily wooded terrain, complicating recovery efforts. By Sunday, the Navy confirmed both aviators had perished and shifted operations from search-and-rescue to recovery.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of two cherished Zappers,” said Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, the squadron’s commanding officer. “Our priority is supporting their families, our sailors, and the Growler community.”
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee authorized the National Guard to provide round-the-clock security near the site, while Navy teams prepare for a long-term salvage effort. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
The EA-18G Growler, a $67 million aircraft derived from the F/A-18 Super Hornet, is the Navy’s front-line electronic warfare platform. It first arrived at Whidbey Island in 2008 and has since played a key role in global operations.
U.S. Senator Patty Murray, who had previously met Evans during a base visit, described her as “a pioneering leader who broke barriers and made history.” She also extended condolences to Wileman’s family, noting that both aviators “paved the way for generations of women who will follow in their footsteps.”
A Lasting Legacy
The deaths of Evans and Wileman mark a profound loss for the Navy and the broader military aviation community. Both women stood out not only for their skill and service, but also for their roles in expanding the presence of women in combat aviation. Their legacy—built on courage, achievement, and determination—will endure as investigations continue into what caused their aircraft to fall from the sky.
