Two Navy crew members who died in a plane crash near Mount Rainier in Washington last week have been identified as California aviators, including one who participated in the first all-female pregame flyover of the Last year’s Super Bowl.
Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay “Miley” Evans and Lt. Serena “Dug” Wileman, both 31, were the only aviators aboard a two-seat EA-18G Growler warplane that crashed during a flight routine training on October 15, the Navy announced in a statement. released Monday.
The status of both couples remained uncertain for several days as search and rescue teams scoured the remote wilderness near Mount Rainier. The wreck site is believed to be in steep, heavily forested terrain at an elevation of 6,000 feet.
“More than just names and ranks, they were role models, pioneers and women whose influence touched countless people on the flight deck and far beyond,” Navy officials said in a press release.
Evans and Wileman were part of Electronic Attack Squadron 130 stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington. Their squadron was called “Zappers”.
On Sunday, the Navy announced that the missing crew members had died in the crash, but did not release their names until Monday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers,” said Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, squadron commander, said in a statement. “Our priority right now is caring for the families of our fallen Airmen and ensuring the well-being of our Sailors and the Growler community. We are grateful for the continued teamwork to safely recover the deceased.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Evans, a Navy flight attendant, grew up in Palmdale and attended USC. A veteran of two sea tours, according to the Navy, Evans’ participation in the flyover ahead of the 2023 Super Bowl marked the 50th anniversary of women flying in the Navy.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country,” Evans said in a statement at the time. “Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than yourself. »
His experience as a pilot and instructor earned him the title of Growler Instructor of the Year, according to the Navy.
Both Wileman and Evans participated in combat operations in Yemen in 2023 and 2024. They spent nine months aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower as part of Carrier Air Wing 3 (or CVW-3) and operated mainly from the Red Sea.
Both earned several decorations for their combat performances.
Wileman was just beginning his Navy career, officials said.
“Outside the cockpit, Wileman made everyone smile,” officials at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island said. “She brightened any room and was known for her genuine care and compassion for those around her. She always brought a sense of calm, in good times and bad, whether through a joke, a game of cribbage, or a giant bear hug for a sailor in need.
She was married and had met her husband, Brandon, during flight lessons, according to the Navy. His hometown in California has not been disclosed.
Capt. Marvin Scott, CVW-3 commander who served with both women in training and combat operations, described Evans and Wileman as tenacious and exceptional for their contributions and the positive energy they brought to the Navy.
“Every member of the CVW-3 Battle Ax team is heartbroken by the loss of these exceptional warriors; Dug and Miley truly represent the best that naval aviation has to offer, and they will be absolutely missed,” Scott said in a statement.
