U.S. Navy officials confirmed Sunday, Oct. 20, searchers found the remains of two crew members of a jet that crashed near Mount Rainier in Washington last week. They said the crew members will not be identified until 24 hours after their families have been notified.
“The U.S. Navy has declared two missing crewmembers of the EA-18G Growler crash, deceased. Electronic Attack Wing Pacific has shifted from search and rescue efforts to recovery operations, Oct. 20,” the Navy said in a press release.
“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 jet, an EA-18G Growler aircraft , carrying only two crew members went down during what the Navy said was a routine training flight Tuesday, Oct. 15.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.