WHIDBEY ISLAND—The U.S. Navy has declared two missing crewmembers of a Boeing EA-18G Growler aircraft from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 that crashed east of Mount Rainier during a routine training flight on Tuesday, October 15, deceased.
Electronic Attack Wing Pacific has shifted its mission from a search and rescue effort to recovery operation the Navy announced on Sunday, October 20. In accordance with Navy policy, the identities of the Naval Aviators will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.
“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 (VAQ) 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.”
Just after 12:30 p.m. PDT, on October 16, U.S. Navy aerial search crews located the wreckage of the EA-18G Growler aircraft. At 3:23 p.m. PDT, on October 15, the U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft crashed at approximately 6,000 feet altitude in a remote, steep and heavily-wooded area east of Mount Rainier. There are no known hazards to the public, the Navy reports.
“My deepest condolences are with the families of the two aviators from @NASWhidbeyIslan. Thank you to the @USNavy, law enforcement & partner agencies for your tireless efforts this week, & thank you to the community for your prayers & support during this very difficult time,” Representative Rick Larsen, whose Congressional District falls within Whidbey Island, wrote on X.
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is a variant in the F/A-18 family of aircraft that combines the proven F/A-18F Super Hornet platform with a sophisticated electronic warfare suite. All EA-18G squadrons are stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, with the exception of one squadron (VAQ-141) attached to CVW-5, Forward Deployed Naval Force, based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.
Shortly after the incident, an Emergency Operations Center was established on NAS Whidbey Island to coordinate response efforts.
Soldiers from 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord assisted in the search. The 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) brought specialized mountaineering, high-angle rescue, medical, and technical communication skills necessary to navigate the difficult terrain associated with the Cascade Mountain Range that is inaccessible by other means.
Additional units that supported the search and rescue include U.S. Navy Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1), Patrol Squadron (VP-46), NAS Whidbey Island Search and Rescue, and U.S. Army 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
“We appreciate the community support as experienced personnel respond around the crash site,” said Capt. Nathan Gammache, commanding officer of NAS Whidbey Island. “We are confident that we have the capability we need at this time, and will request any additional capabilities, if needed, via official channels in coordination with the on-site incident commander.”
In response to a request for assistance from the United States Navy, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Gov. Jay Inslee Sunday evening authorized the Washington National Guard to assist with search and recovery efforts for two missing naval aviators from a downed EA-18G near Mount Rainer National Park. The request is for the guard to provide 24/7 security at assigned traffic control points.
“Trudi and I send our condolences to the families of these two U.S. Navy service members,” Inslee said. “These moments remind us of the risks military service members take on in service to our homeland. Every day, whether in training or in combat, their courage and honor are the same. We join all Washingtonians in expressing gratitude to the many teams who have been assisting with search and rescue operations including the Yakama Nation, Yakima County, King County, WSDOT Air Search & Rescue, and our Washington National Guard.”
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, Navy says.
Editor’s Note: Article updated 8:08 p.m. with Governor Jay Inslee authorizing National Guard assistance.
