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 on a routine training flight when their EA-18G Growler crashed in a remote, mountainous area.
The aircraft went down at around 6,000 feet in a densely forested region, where difficult terrain and weather conditions delayed rescue efforts. Recovery teams later confirmed that both pilots had died in the incident.
Lt. Cmdr. Evans was a respected leader in naval aviation, gaining national attention in 2023 for her role in the historic all-female flyover at Super Bowl LVII, celebrating 50 years of women in naval aviation. Known for her professionalism and leadership, she was a mentor to many and a passionate advocate for the next generation of aviators.
Lt. Wileman, commissioned in 2018, joined the distinguished Electronic Attack Squadron 130—the “Zappers”—in 2021. She was praised by colleagues as highly focused, mission-driven, and a valuable member of the squadron. Both officers had recently returned from deployment in the Middle East, supporting operations in the Red Sea and contributing to regional security efforts.