Washington State – Two members on board EA-18G Growler that A crash east of Mount Rainier last week The US Navy announced the death.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of two beloved zappers,” said Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, Commanding Officer of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130. “Our priority now is to care for the families of our fallen pilots and ensure the well-being of our sailors and the Crowler community. We are grateful for the continued teamwork in the safe recovery of the dead.
Out of respect for their families and in accordance with Navy policy, Navy pilots’ identities will be suspended until 24 hours after their next of kin are notified, the Navy said.
The Electronic Attack Wing has transitioned from Pacific search and rescue efforts to rescue operations.
EA-18G Growler Crashed into a ridge east of Mount Rainier Tuesday afternoon during a “routine training flight.” Aerial search teams He found the accident site Wednesday around 12:30 p.m. The crash site is at an altitude of 6,000 feet in a “steep and heavily wooded area”. Officials had earlier said that motor vehicles could not enter the remote area.
See also: EA-18G Growler: What to know about the type of Navy jet that crashed near Mount Rainier
The Navy requested the assistance of the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team and other local law enforcement to help locate the plane and missing crew members, YCSO Public Information Officer Casey Schilberord told KOMO News Wednesday.
On Thursday, a Navy spokeswoman said other military personnel were assisting in the search, including soldiers from the 1st Special Forces Group based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The airborne team “brings specialized mountaineering, high-angle rescue, medical and technical communications capabilities needed to navigate the difficult terrain associated with the otherwise inaccessible Cascade Range,” the Navy said.
An emergency operations center was established on Whidbey Island at Naval Air Station to coordinate response efforts.
The Navy said personnel on site are continuing to search the wider area, recover debris and plan for long-term rescue and recovery efforts.
The EA-18G Growler is similar to the F/A-18F Super Hornet—the type of jet used by the US Navy’s Blue Angels—and includes sophisticated electronic warfare equipment. With the exception of one squadron (VAQ-141) stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, all growler squadrons are based at NASWI.
The crashed growler jet was from “The Zappers,” otherwise known as Electronic Attack Squadron 130 or VAQ-130.
According to the Navy’s website, the similarities between the Growler and Super Hornet jets allow the Growler room for future upgrades and growth. Boeing said the Crowler is “the most advanced aerial electronic attack (AEA) platform and the only such platform in production today.”
The crawler is 60.2 feet long and 16 feet high and has a thrust of 44,000 pounds. The jet has a wingspan of 44.9 feet and weighs 33,094 pounds when empty.
