The US Navy confirmed the deaths of two pilots following the crash of their jet in northeast Washington on October 15 during a training exercise.
The ongoing search-and-rescue operation has now transitioned to a recovery effort, according to a Navy official. Cmdr.
Timothy Warburton of the Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron 130, also known as the “Zappers,” expressed profound sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the focus on supporting the families and colleagues of the deceased.
The identities of the fallen aviators will be disclosed post notification of their families, the Navy stated. The wreckage of the EA-18G Growler was found on a mountainside east of Mount Rainier on Wednesday.
The search efforts were complicated by the challenging terrain and poor weather conditions. The jet had taken off from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for the training flight and crashed approximately 30 miles west of Yakima.
Rescue teams, including an MH-60S helicopter crew and units from various Navy and Army squadrons, responded promptly to the incident. The crash is currently under investigation.
The Growler, valued at about $67 million, represents the pinnacle of the Navy’s electronic warfare capabilities and serves as a critical asset in hostile environments.
In May 2024, four vessels, part of an operation aimed at delivering aid to Gaza, broke free from their moorings amid the storm.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the aid pier remains fully operational. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) clarified that no American personnel would enter Gaza.
Two of the affected vessels have since been anchored on the beach near the pier, while the other two ended up on the coast of Israel near Ashkelon.
The operation involved a $350 million pier, which represented a significant, though complex, effort to solve the logistical challenge of delivering aid to Gaza.
