Navy confirms deaths of two aviators after EA-18G Growler crash near Mount Rainier

WASHINGTON STATE — The two members onboardan EA-18G Growler that crashed east of Mount Rainier last week have been declared dead by the United States Navy.

“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.”

The Navy said the identities of the Naval Aviators will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified as a matter of respect for the families and in accordance with Navy policy.

TheElectronic Attack Wing Pacific has shifted from search and rescue efforts to recovery operations.

The EA-18G Growler crashed into a mountainside east of Mount Rainier on Tuesday afternoon during a “routine training flight.” Aerial search crews found the crash site around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. The crash site is in a “steep and heavily wooded area” around 6,000 feet in elevation. Officials previously said the remote area was not accessible by motorized vehicles.

ALSO SEE: EA-18G Growler: What to know about the type of Navy jet that crashed near Mount Rainier

The Navy requested assistance from the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office’s search and rescue team and other local law enforcement to help locate the aircraft and missing crew members, YCSO Public Information Officer Casey Schilperoort told KOMO News on Wednesday.

On Thursday, a Navy spokesperson said other military personnel were also assisting in the search, including soldiers from the 1st Special Forces Group based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The Navy said the airborne group “brings 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.”

An emergency operations center was established at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to coordinate response efforts.

The personnel on site willcontinue to search the expansive area, recovering debris and planning for the long-term salvage and recovery effort, the Navy said.

The EA-18G Growler is similar to the F/A-18F Super Hornet—the type of jet used by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels—and includes sophisticated electronic warfare devices. All Growler squadrons are based at NASWI, with the exception of one squadron (VAQ-141) stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station in Iwakuni, Japan.

The Growler jet that crashed is from “The Zappers,” otherwise known as Electronic Attack Squadron 130 or VAQ-130.

According to the Navy’s website, the similarities between Growler and Super Hornet jets allow the Growler room for future upgrades and growth. Boeing said the Growler “is the most advanced airborne electronic attack (AEA) platform and is the only one in production today.”

The 60.2-foot-long and 16-foot-tall Growler has 44,000 pounds of thrust. The jet has a 44.9-foot wingspan and weighs 33,094 pounds when empty.