U.S. Naval officials confirmed the deaths of two crew members of a Navy EA-18G Growler jet that crashed near Mount Rainier in Washington. The wreckage of the plane was located at 6,000 feet up in a remote, steep, and heavily-wooded area. The crew members were declared dead after the site assessment of the debris area. Army Special Forces soldiers trained in mountaineering, high-angle rescue, medical, and technical communication skills assisted in locating the missing crew members. The Navy shifted from search and rescue efforts to recovery operations, expressing condolences for the loss of the crew members.
Commander Timothy Warburton, the commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, expressed a heavy heart at the loss of the two crew members. The priority is to take care of the families of the aviators and ensure the well-being of Sailors and the Growler community. The identities of the crew members were withheld for 24 hours after next of kin notification, in accordance with Navy policy. Recovery efforts will continue on-site to retrieve debris and plan for long-term salvage and recovery efforts. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and the Navy emphasized the sophistication of the EA-18G aircraft.
The EA-18G Growler jet is a variant of the F/A-18 family of aircraft equipped with a sophisticated electronic warfare suite used for tactical jamming and electronic protection. The jet was designed to replace the EA-6B Prowler, with production starting in October 2004. The inaugural flight of the jet occurred in August 2006, and the first delivery was made in June 2008 to VAQ 129 at NAS Whidbey Island. Each EA-18G Growler jet has a price tag of $67 million, highlighting the investment in advanced military technology. The Navy expressed commitment to the ongoing investigation into the crash near Mount Rainier.
The training and skills of Army Special Forces soldiers played a crucial role in locating the missing crew members in the challenging terrain near Mount Rainier. Efforts shifted from search and rescue to recovery operations, with a focus on supporting the families of the fallen crew members and the Growler community. The Navy emphasized respect for the families by withholding the identities of the crew members until next of kin notification had been made. Recovery and salvage efforts will continue on-site, and the investigation into the crash will provide insights into the cause behind the tragic incident.
The loss of the two crew members of the Navy EA-18G Growler jet near Mount Rainier is a somber reminder of the risks associated with military operations. The sophisticated technology and capabilities of the EA-18G aircraft highlight the complex nature of modern warfare and the importance of ongoing safety measures and investigations into accidents. The dedication of personnel involved in recovery and salvage operations underscores the commitment to honoring the fallen and supporting their families. As the investigation progresses, lessons learned from this tragic event can help enhance safety protocols and prevent future incidents in military aviation.
