Two Navy pilots tragically lost their lives in a jet crash near Mount Rainier, Washington, just days after returning from a deployment in the Middle East. The aviators, Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay “Miley” Evans and Lt. Serena “Dug” Wileman, were part of a mission involving strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen and were operating in defense of international shipping routes.
The crash occurred on a routine training flight on Tuesday, and investigations into the cause are currently underway. Both women were members of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 and had recently returned from serving on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, where they played vital roles in missions against threats in the region. Capt. Chris “Chowdah” Hill, the commanding officer of the Eisenhower, expressed profound sorrow over their loss, honoring their dedication and camaraderie during their service.
Wileman, known by her callsign “Dug,” earned recognition for her combat achievements, receiving three Strike Flight Air Medals for her contributions to various missions between December and March. Meanwhile, Evans, referred to as “Miley,” was awarded Single Action Air Medals for her participation in significant strikes against Houthi targets. As the Training Officer for her squadron, she was noted for being among the first women to conduct combat missions over land, marking a significant milestone in naval aviation.
In a poignant moment from the previous year, Evans was part of an all-female flyover at the Super Bowl, commemorating half a century of women serving in the Navy. She expressed excitement about the honor, showcasing her pride in being a part of this historic event.
Last week, their training flight near Mount Rainier ended in tragedy. Due to challenging weather and the rugged landscape, the search for their downed aircraft took three days. The remains of the EA-18G Growler were eventually located in a remote area, highlighting the dangers that military aviators face even in training exercises. Both pilots frequently flew together, solidifying their bond as they navigated the complexities of aerial combat training.
