Trailblazing Aviators Who Made History
Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans was a Naval Flight Officer whose career was already distinguished. In 2023, she made history by participating in the first-ever all-female flyover at Super Bowl LVII, marking 50 years of women serving as Navy aviators. Colleagues remembered her as calm under pressure, a committed mentor, and an officer every sailor wanted to fly with.
Lt. Serena Wileman was a Naval Aviator commissioned in 2018, joining the Zappers three years later. Known for precision and discipline, she had already earned the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. Peers praised her sharp intellect and quiet leadership. Her family said she “lived with purpose and flew with passion.”
A Devastating Loss for the Navy
The EA-18G Growler, a specialized variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, is a cornerstone of U.S. electronic warfare, capable of jamming enemy radar and disrupting communications to protect forces in combat. The crash shocked aviation experts.
“This is a platform with one of the best safety records in naval aviation,” said retired pilot Cmdr. Rick Benson. “For a Growler to go down without distress calls means something catastrophic occurred.”
The Naval Safety Center, along with the NTSB and local authorities, has launched a full investigation. Early theories include mechanical failure or systems malfunction, though officials stress it may take months to determine the cause.
A Community in Mourning
At Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, grief ran deep. A candlelight vigil drew hundreds of sailors, veterans, and civilians. Flowers, model aircraft, and handwritten notes honored the two women’s legacy.
“Two of our very best are gone,” one sailor said. “They set the standard every day—on the ground and in the air.”
Messages poured in from across the nation. Senator Patty Murray called Evans a “pioneering leader” and praised Wileman for inspiring future aviators. Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations, stated: “Their service was marked by bravery and integrity. Their legacy will endure in every pilot and flight officer who takes to the skies.”
Honoring Their Legacy
Evans and Wileman weren’t just skilled aviators—they were trailblazers. Evans’ Super Bowl flyover symbolized decades of progress for women in the Navy, while Wileman actively mentored young aviators, proving the sky is truly the limit.
A joint memorial service at Whidbey Island is planned, featuring a missing man formation flyover, a solemn tribute where one aircraft peels away to honor the fallen.
Looking Ahead
The crash raises questions about the safety of aging aircraft fleets, even as the Growler remains a key U.S. Navy asset. Yet, for those who served with Evans and Wileman, the focus is on lives, not machines—two aviators cut short while exemplifying courage, precision, and service.
“The skies are a little quieter now, but their spirit flies with us every time we take off,” Cmdr. Warburton said.
Lt. Cmdr. Evans and Lt. Wileman’s legacy of excellence, mentorship, and trailblazing leadership will inspire every future sailor who dares to soar.
Share this story to honor their courage and inspire the next generation of aviators who follow in their fearless footsteps.