Additional Coverage:
Two female naval aviators, Lieutenant Serena Wileman and Lieutenant Commander Lyndsay Evans, tragically lost their lives on October 15th in a training mission crash east of Mount Rainier.
Wileman, 31, and Evans, 31, were both highly skilled and decorated aviators who had served in the Middle East. They were part of the Electronic Attack Squadron 130 based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
The search for their bodies took several days due to challenging terrain and weather conditions. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
The Navy has praised the two women for their outstanding service and professionalism. They will be remembered as role models and inspirations for future generations of naval aviators.