The U.S. Navy is mourning the tragic loss of two highly respected aviators following a deadly aircraft crash near Mount Rainier, Washington. Lt. Cmdr. Catherine Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman—both originally from California—were flying a routine training mission when their EA-18G Growler went down in a rugged, remote area.

The crash occurred at about 6,000 feet in a densely forested region where rough terrain and poor weather made rescue and recovery efforts difficult. Sadly, both pilots were confirmed dead at the scene.

Lt. Cmdr. Evans was a standout figure in naval aviation. She gained national recognition in 2023 as part of the Navy’s historic all-female flyover during Super Bowl LVII, marking 50 years of women in naval aviation. Widely admired for her leadership, professionalism, and mentorship, she was a guiding force for younger pilots and a passionate advocate for women in the service.

Lt. Wileman, commissioned in 2018, joined Electronic Attack Squadron 130—known as the “Zappers”—in 2021. She was known among her peers as a sharp, mission-focused officer who played a key role within the squadron. Both women had recently returned from a deployment in the Middle East, where they supported operations in the Red Sea and contributed to regional security missions.

Their loss is deeply felt across the Navy and the aviation community.