The U.S. Navy is searching for two aviators following the crash of an EA-18G Growler jet during a routine training flight on Tuesday. As reported by Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, the incident occurred east of Mount Rainier at approximately 3:23 p.m.
A Navy MH-60S helicopter, along with other search teams from NAS Whidbey Island, has been deployed to locate the missing crew and investigate the crash site. It remains unclear if the aviators ejected before the crash, and the cause of the incident is still under investigation.
The EA-18G Growler, primarily based at Whidbey Island and similar to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, is equipped with advanced electronic warfare capabilities. The aviators were part of the “Zappers” squadron, which was recently deployed aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.