The U.S. Navy community is mourning the loss of two dedicated aviators following a tragic aircraft accident near Mount Rainier, Washington. Lt. Cmdr. Catherine Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, both California natives, were conducting a routine training flight when their EA-18G Growler aircraft was involved in a fatal crash in a remote, mountainous area.
The aircraft went down at approximately 6,000 feet in a forested region where challenging terrain and weather conditions delayed rescue efforts. Recovery teams later confirmed that both pilots had lost their lives in the incident.
Lt. Cmdr. Evans was a respected leader in naval aviation and made national headlines in 2023 when she participated in the historic all-female flyover at Super Bowl LVII, commemorating 50 years of women in naval aviation. Known for her professionalism and leadership, she was a mentor to many and an advocate for future generations of aviators.
Lt. Wileman, who received her commission in 2018, joined the esteemed Electronic Attack Squadron 130—the “Zappers”—in 2021. Colleagues have praised her as highly focused, mission-driven, and a strong contributor to the squadron. Both officers had recently completed a deployment in the Middle East, supporting operations in the Red Sea and contributing to broader regional security efforts.
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