Statement on the Deaths of Two United States Naval Aviators in Washington State

Jill and I mourn the tragic loss of two naval aviators, Lieutenant Commander Lyndsay Evans and Lieutenant Serena Wileman, who were killed when their EA-18G Growler aircraft crashed last Tuesday near Mount Rainier, Washington, during a routine training mission. They were among our Nation's finest and had just recently returned to the United States after an extended deployment to the Middle East defending against Houthi missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea. We thank the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and Yakima County Tribal and local authorities for their efforts to locate and recover these two brave and talented young aviators. We pray for their families, loved ones, and squadron-mates, and we will always honor their service and sacrifice.