Lt. Serena Wileman (left) and Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans (right). Photos via by the US Navy
The Navy has confirmed the identities of the two aviators lost in last week’s EA-18G Growler crash—Lt. Serena Wileman and Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans. Both women, trailblazers in their own right, were more than just skilled pilots; they were symbols of leadership, grit, and dedication.
Lt. Serena Wileman, 31, had recently joined the ranks of the “Zappers” at Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 after commissioning in 2018. She had been assigned to her first unit since completing flight training in 2022, quickly earning respect for her infectious positivity and commitment to the mission. Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans, also 31, was no stranger to the skies. A graduate of USC’s Reserve Officer Training Corps, she had flown multiple combat missions, coordinated strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, and served as a Growler Tactics Instructor—recognized as one of the best in her field.
Both women were part of a shrinking number of aviators who flew combat missions over hostile territories. In a time when war often lurks just below the radar, Wileman and Evans took to the skies, embodying the courage and professionalism demanded of those who wear the wings of gold.
Their final mission ended in the remote wilderness near Mount Rainier. The EA-18G Growler went down during a routine training flight in treacherous terrain—steep, heavily wooded, and snow-covered. The search for their remains became a rescue turned recovery, with Navy search teams and Army Special Forces battling nature itself to bring these women home. Soldiers from 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord braved the high-altitude conditions to reach the wreckage.
The loss ripples far beyond the flight deck. Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of VAQ-130, spoke of the heartbreak. “More than just names and ranks, they were role models, trailblazers, and women whose influence touched countless people on the flight deck and well beyond,” he said. Wileman and Evans weren’t just officers; they were mentors, friends, and beacons of hope in an environment often ruled by fear and uncertainty.
Wileman, known for her “heart of gold” and unrelenting smile, brightened any room she entered, while Evans, respected for her tactical prowess and leadership, inspired those around her to aim higher. Both were dedicated dog moms—Wileman to Riley, a Chiweenie mix, and Evans to Nix, an Australian shepherd. These bonds, both human and canine, were just as strong as the ones they shared with their fellow Zappers.
Their loss is a sobering reminder of the perilous life of an aviator. Even in training, danger is always a heartbeat away. And yet, they flew. Because that’s what they were born to do.
As recovery efforts continue, the Navy stands united in grief and resolve, determined to bring their fallen back from the mountains. Two more names etched into the long line of warriors who paid the ultimate price. Two more lives taken far too soon.
Wileman leaves behind her husband, Brandon, also a naval aviator. Both women leave behind a legacy—a legacy that will not be forgotten by those who flew with them, nor by those whose lives they touched.
