A routine training flight turns tragic in the rugged terrain of Washington state.
According to Breitbart News, the U.S. Navy has declared two crew members dead following the crash of an EA-18G Growler jet near Mount Rainier. The aircraft, from the Electronic Attack Squadron, went down during a training mission on Tuesday afternoon.
Search and rescue efforts, which included a Navy MH-60S helicopter and Army Special Forces soldiers skilled in mountaineering, have now shifted to a long-term salvage and recovery operation. The crash site was located at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet in a remote, heavily wooded area east of Mount Rainier.
Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of the Electronic Attack Squadron, conveyed the squadron's grief:
It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers. Our priority right now is taking care of the families of our fallen aviators. ... We are grateful for the ongoing teamwork to safely recover the deceased.
The Navy has stated that the names of the deceased aviators will be released 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified, in accordance with standard protocol.
Capt. David Ganci, commander of the Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, had previously emphasized that locating the missing crew members as quickly and safely as possible was the top priority during the search operation.
The EA-18G Growler, a sophisticated electronic warfare aircraft similar to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, is primarily based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The squadron involved in the crash, known as the "Zappers," had recently returned from deployment aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Each Growler aircraft, which costs approximately $67 million, is equipped with advanced technology for airborne electronic attack missions. The plane is typically crewed by a pilot in the front seat and an electronics operator in the rear.
The incident highlights the inherent risks associated with military aviation training exercises. Such operations, essential for maintaining readiness and combat effectiveness, can sometimes result in accidents with severe consequences.
Recent examples include a May incident where an F-35 fighter jet crashed in New Mexico after refueling, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot. In a more tragic event last year, eight U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command service members lost their lives when their CV-22B Osprey aircraft crashed off the Japanese coast.
The Navy's statement emphasized the Growler's critical role in modern warfare, describing it as "the Navy's first line of defense in hostile environments." This underscores the importance of continued training despite the risks involved.
The crash occurred in the vicinity of Mount Rainier, a prominent active volcano known for its challenging terrain and year-round snow and ice cover. These conditions likely complicated both the initial crash and subsequent search and recovery efforts.
The loss of these two aviators serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel in service to their country. The Navy's focus has now shifted to supporting the families of the deceased and investigating the cause of the crash to prevent future incidents. The bravery and dedication of those who put their lives on the line during training missions, as well as in combat, continue to be recognized and honored by the military community and the nation at large.
