[UPDATE: OCTOBER 21, 2024]
The U.S. Navy has declared two missing crewmembers of the EA-18G Growler crash, deceased. Electronic Attack Wing Pacific has shifted from search and rescue efforts to recovery operations, Oct. 20.
As a matter of respect for the families and 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.”
Personnel on site continue to search the expansive area, recovering debris and planning for the long-term salvage and recovery effort.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
[UPDATE: OCTOBER 17, 2024]
Just after 12:30 p.m. PDT, aerial search crews located the wreckage of the EA-18G Growler that crashed on Oct. 15. The crash site rests on a mountainside east of Mount Rainier.
The status of the two crew members is unknown while the search effort continues.
An Emergency Operations Center has been established on NAS Whidbey Island to coordinate response efforts, and the U.S. Navy is making preparations to deploy personnel to secure the remote area that is not accessible by motorized vehicles.
“I am thankful for the tremendous teamwork displayed by the NAS Whidbey Island squadrons — VAQ, VP, VQ, TOCRON 10 and SAR — as Team Whidbey continues to respond to our tragic mishap,” said Capt. David Ganci, commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “I am also grateful to local law enforcement, responders, and tribal communities whose partnership has been essential in planning our critical next steps for access to the site.”
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
OCTOBER 16, 2024 – The U.S. Navy, in coordination with Yakima County tribal and local authorities, continue to search for the EA-18G Growler aircraft that crashed yesterday afternoon.
Aerial operations continued through the night, launching from NAS Whidbey Island and searching in the area 30 miles west of Yakima, Wash. Responders are facing mountainous terrain, cloudy weather, and low visibility as the search is ongoing.
As of 11 a.m. on Oct. 16, neither the crew nor wreckage has been located.
Additional units supporting 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.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
More information will be released as it becomes available.