High-Flying Aviators Risk It All – What Went Down in the Final Moments Will Shock You!

Two decorated Navy aviators, Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay “Miley” Evans and Lt. Serena “Dug” Wileman, tragically lost their lives on October 15 when their EA-18G Growler crashed near Mount Rainier in Washington state. The crash site, located in a rugged wilderness area at 6,000 feet elevation, presented significant challenges for rescue teams, including steep terrain, low visibility, and unpredictable weather. Despite these difficulties, the wreckage was located after several days of intense searching, requiring the expertise of mountaineers from the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) to access the crash site.

Both Evans and Wileman, who were 31 and hailed from California, were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130, also known as the “Zappers,” based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. They were described by the Navy as “trailblazing” aviators and were lauded for their contributions both in training and combat. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Remarkable Military Careers and Unbreakable Bond

Evans and Wileman were more than just colleagues—they were close friends who frequently flew together, and their bond extended well beyond the cockpit. Their decorated careers included multiple combat missions during a recent deployment on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, where they played pivotal roles in defending freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

Evans, who joined the Navy in 2014 through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at the University of Southern California, quickly rose through the ranks. She was selected to participate in an all-female Super Bowl flyover in 2023, marking 50 years of women flying in the Navy, but her achievements went far beyond that honor. She completed the prestigious “HAVOC” course at Naval Air Station Fallon, often referred to as the Top Gun of the Growler community, and became an instructor, later being named the 2024 Growler Tactics Instructor of the Year.

Her deployment on the Eisenhower saw her leading multiple combat strikes into Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. For her bravery and skill, Evans was awarded two Single Action Air Medals with Combat “C” and three Strike Flight Air Medals for missions flown between December 2023 and March 2024. She also earned the Combat Action Ribbon and several commendation medals throughout her career.

Wileman, who joined the Navy in 2022, also made an impact in a short amount of time. She met her husband, a fellow naval aviator, during flight school and reported to the Zappers in 2022. Like Evans, she flew combat missions in Yemen and took on a leadership role during their deployment. Wileman led a ground-based detachment of Growlers to support U.S. Central Command, expanding the electronic attack capabilities of the Navy in the region. Her calm leadership and courage were evident during the mission, especially when the Eisenhower and its strike group came under attack by Houthi terrorists.

Wileman was recognized for her contributions with three Strike Flight Air Medals and the Combat Action Ribbon. She was praised for her ability to lead and protect her squadron, both in the air and on the ground, in the face of real danger.

A Legacy of Courage and Commitment

The loss of Evans and Wileman has sent shockwaves through the naval aviation community. Capt. Marvin Scott, commander of Carrier Air Wing 3, expressed his grief, saying, “I have personally flown with both of these great Americans in both training and dynamic combat operations, and they always performed professionally and precisely.” He went on to describe them as “exceptional warriors” and emphasized their tenacity, courage, and positive energy.

Evans and Wileman embodied the very best of naval aviation, their influence extending far beyond the flight deck. They were role models not only to women in the military but to everyone who had the honor of working with them.

The Navy continues its investigation into the cause of the crash, while recovery efforts are still underway. The challenges of the rugged terrain near Mount Rainier have slowed the process, but the Navy is determined to bring Evans and Wileman home. Their bravery and service will not be forgotten, and they will be remembered as trailblazers who gave everything in service to their country.

The Navy’s statement honoring them concluded with heartfelt words: “They will absolutely be missed.”