The search for two missing Navy aviators continues after their EA-18G Growler jet crashed near Mount Rainier during a routine training flight. The wreckage, located in a rugged area east of the peak, was reported by the Navy on Wednesday. The status of the aviators is still unknown, with search efforts ongoing to locate them.
As reported by OregonLive, the crashed jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron was at approximately 6,000 feet altitude in a remote, steep area when search teams initiated the recovery operation. Crews from NAS Whidbey Island encountered challenges due to dense forestation and difficult terrain. An MH-60S helicopter from the Navy launched from the island to assist in the operation but was unable to locate the crew members.
Capt. David Ganci of the U.S. Pacific Fleet recognized the collaborative effort among various NAS Whidbey Island squadrons and partners. In a statement obtained by FOX 13 Seattle, he said, "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." He further acknowledged the indispensable cooperation of local law enforcement, responders, and tribal communities.
The Boeing EA-18G Growler, belonging to the "Zappers" of VAQ-130, had recently returned from a combat deployment on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. This aircraft is a critical asset in the Navy's electronic warfare arsenal. Nevertheless, its grounding near Mount Rainier ignites memories of past tension with Whidbey Island residents who, as reported by The News Tribune, had opposed the Navy's expanded Growler training due to noise concerns and potential land-use restrictions. The controversial plans for increased training were met with stiff opposition from the community back in 2018.
