A United States Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft crashed today during a routine training flight east of Mount Rainier in Washington state. The incident occurred at approximately 15:20 local time, and the aircraft was operating out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), located north of Seattle.
The Growler, part of the Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, known as the “Zappers,” was carrying two crew members at the time of the crash. As of now, their status remains unknown. The Navy has confirmed that a search and rescue operation is currently underway, with an MH-60S helicopter dispatched from NASWI to assist in the efforts. Additional search assets have also been mobilized to locate the missing crew members and assess the crash site.
The EA-18G Growler is a sophisticated electronic warfare aircraft designed to disrupt enemy radar and communication systems, making it an essential component of U.S. military operations. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash has been initiated by the Navy.
"We are deeply concerned about our crew members and are doing everything possible to locate them," said a spokesperson for the U.S. Navy. "Our thoughts are with their families during this difficult time."