Navy identifies 2 killed in fighter jet crash as aviators from California

The Navy identified on Monday the two crew members who died last week in a jet fighter crash near Mount Rainier as two 31-year-old aviators from California.

Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, a Naval Aviator, died when their EA-18G Growler jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron, known as “Zappers,” crashed east of Mount Rainier last Tuesday during a training flight, according to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

Evans of Palmdale, California, made history as part of a team of female pilots who conducted the first-ever all-female flyover of Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, 2023, to celebrate 50 years of women flying in the Navy, Steve Fiebing, a Navy spokesperson, told The Associated Press.

The first female candidates entered the U.S. Navy flight school in 1973.

“I joined the Navy to serve my country,” Evans told the Los Angeles Times. “Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than yourself.”

Wileman was commissioned in 2018 and joined the Zapper squadron on Washington state's Whidbey Island in 2021. She earned the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon.

An aerial crew located the wreckage the day after the crash at about 6,000 feet (1,828 meters) in a remote, steep and heavily wooded area east of Mount Rainier, officials said.

Navy officials declared the aviators dead on Sunday and said they've switched from search and rescue to recovery operations.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers,” said Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron 130. “Our priority right now is taking care of the families of our fallen aviators, and ensuring the well-being of our sailors and the Growler community. We are grateful for the ongoing teamwork to safely recover the deceased.”

Personnel are recovering debris and planning for the long-term salvage and recovery effort, the Navy said. Gov. Jay Inslee said the Navy asked the Washington state National Guard to “provide 24/7 security at assigned traffic control points.” Inslee granted the request Sunday.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The first production of the Growler was delivered to Whidbey Island in 2008. In the past 15 years, the Growler has operated around the globe supporting major actions, the Navy said. The plane seats a pilot in front and an electronics operator behind them.

“The EA-18G Growler aircraft we fly represents the most advanced technology in airborne Electronic Attack and stands as the Navy’s first line of defense in hostile environments,” the Navy said on its website. Each aircraft costs about $67 million.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray said said she was heartbroken to learn of the passing of Evans, whom she had met at the Naval Air Station last year.

“I am deeply grateful for her courage and sacrifice in service to our country," Murray said in a statement. "She was a leader who broke barriers and made history.”

“Similarly, I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Lt. Serena Wileman,” she continued. “I am so proud of both of these women for their trailblazing careers — their service has no doubt made a difference, clearing a path for the women who will come after them.”

This combination of undated photos released by the U.S. Navy shows left to right; Lt. Serena Wileman, a Naval Aviator, and Lt. Serena Wileman, a Naval Aviator. (U.S. Navy via AP)

An EA-18G Growler takes off from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island during an exercise, March 10, 2016. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)

A U.S. Forest Service worker sits at a roadblock leading to the Twin Sisters Lakes trailhead as the search for two Navy aviators continues on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, near Goose Prairie, Yakima County, Wash. (Nick Wagner/The Seattle Times via AP)

Fall colors begin to change around Bumping Lake as the search for two Naval aviators continues on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, near Goose Prairie, Wash. (Nick Wagner/The Seattle Times via AP)

FILE - Mount Rainier is pictured Sept. 21, 2023, at Mount Rainier National Park, from Sunrise, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

A U.S. Army Chinook helicopter lifts a cargo box out of Vagabond Army Heliport as it heads toward the site of the crashed Navy EA-18G Growler jet on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Yakima, Wash. (Nick Wagner/The Seattle Times via AP)

A U.S. Army Chinook helicopter lifts a cargo box out of Vagabond Army Heliport as it heads toward the site of the crashed Navy EA-18G Growler jet on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Yakima, Wash. (Nick Wagner/The Seattle Times via AP)

A U.S. Army helicopter continues searching for two missing aviators on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, near Goose Prairie, Yakima County, Wash., as the search continues for two fighter pilots whose EA-18G Growler jet crashed east of Mount Rainier. (Nick Wagner/The Seattle Times via AP)

A U.S. Navy pickup truck is seen in a parking lot near Pear Butte, Yakima County, on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, as the search continues for two fighter pilots whose EA-18G Growler jet crashed east of Mount Rainier, Wash. (Nick Wagner/The Seattle Times via AP)

Crew members move boxes from a U.S. Army Chinook helicopter into a cargo container at Vagabond Army Heliport on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Yakima, Wash. (Nick Wagner/The Seattle Times via AP)

This undated photo released by the U.S. Navy shows Lt. Serena Wileman, a Naval Aviator. (U.S. Navy via AP)

In this undated photo released by the U.S. Navy, Lt. Commander Lyndsay Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, sits in a cockpit. (U.S. Navy via AP)

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Jayden Daniels exited the game with a rib injury, Marcus Mariota took his place in the huddle and the first few throws were rough. After Mariota shook off some rust, however, the Washington Commanders' offense was no less effective with the journeyman quarterback in charge than it was with the dazzling rookie.

“Kliff’s offense is Kliff’s offense,” starting right tackle Andrew Wylie said. “Whoever’s at the helm is doing the same thing as another guy who’s at the helm. We try to run his plays at the highest level.”

Kliff is Kliff Kingsbury, Washington's first-year offensive coordinator. And the Commanders not missing a beat when Daniels was sidelined and replaced by Mariota is the biggest endorsement yet of Kingsbury's system and general manager Adam Peters' entire offseason, from making that hire to signing the right veterans in free agency.

“When you don’t have your starting quarterback, but you still execute at a high level, I think that’s a standard that we’re setting for our offense,” top receiver Terry McLaurin said. “No matter who’s in there, the expectation and the production doesn’t drop.”

Daniels, the No. 2 draft pick and offensive rookie of the year favorite whose status for Sunday against No. 1 pick Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears is uncertain, was responsible for 56 yards before getting hurt on the 85-yard opening possession that ended with a field goal. The Commanders racked up 336 more yards, with Mariota engineering three touchdown drives, to improve to 5-2.

That is exactly the kind of capable fill-in play Peters and his staff hoped for when signing Mariota to a $6 million contract for this season that could be worth up to $10 million. Their eyes were already on Daniels, and Mariota was the perfect mentor and backup given his experience and playing style.

After starting 0 of 5, Mariota completed his next 18 passes for 205 yards and touchdown throws to tight ends Zach Ertz and Ben Sinnott. The performance came against the woeful Carolina Panthers, but it provided a blueprint for how the Commanders can move forward if Daniels misses any time.

“It's going to be different week to week," Mariota said. “Kliff and those guys do a great job of: ‘Hey, where can we attack these teams? Where can we create matchup problems?’ ... It’s just trying to execute what the game plan was, and nothing for us really changed.”

The new additions are not just paying off on offense. The revamped defense is doing its part, too.

Dante Fowler returned his first NFL interception 67 yards for a touchdown and had one of Washington's two sacks of Andy Dalton. Fellow linebacker Frankie Luvu had the other, while rookie second-round pick Mike Sainristil and veteran cornerback Noah Igbinoghene tied for the team lead with six tackles apiece.

“I love the way we’re going,” Fowler said. "Just being able to hold each other down and play for each other — it’s been a while since I’ve seen a team play like that. I love this team a lot. I love the way we play for each other.”

Daniels' ribs, mostly. Even given the confidence in Mariota, the Commanders will go as far as Daniels takes them.

Coach Dan Quinn said Monday that Daniels is being listed as “week to week" and the team is hopeful he plays Sunday against Chicago, adding, “This is not something that’s a long-term issue.”

Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, a healthy scratch last week against Baltimore, picked off Dalton in his return. Getting the 2023 first-round pick on track for a useful professional career is one of the big-picture, long-term tasks for the coaching staff, and making a big play should help Forbes' confidence if nothing else.

Those in charge of flexing the Bears-Commanders game to the 4:25 p.m. national window were banking on it being Williams against Daniels. Williams against Mariota, the second pick in 2015, would not have the same appeal.

Rookie left tackle Brandon Coleman was concussed against the Panthers, which makes it likely that Cornelius Lucas gets the next start and play the vast majority of the snaps. Coleman is in concussion protocol, Quinn said.

19 — Years since Washington last started 3-0 at home. 2005 was also the last season this team won a playoff game.

Probably play it safe with Daniels, the face of the franchise whose value this season and beyond goes beyond one game. The coaching staff and front office sat out Brian Robinson Jr. recently to avoid further damage for a knee injury, and the approach may be similar this time around.

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Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) and linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) celebrate after stopping the Carolina Panthers on fourth down during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Commanders fans celebrate after a touchdown run by Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (18) runs from Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) talks Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (18) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Landover, Md. The Commanders 40-7. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) celebrates with teammates after catching a 12-yard touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) celebrates with teammate quarterback Marcus Mariota (18) after an 8-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)