NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. — The U.S. Navy has identifiedLt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman as thetwo aviators who died when their EA-18G Growler aircraft crashed near Mount Rainier last week.

Evans was a naval flight officer, and Wileman was a naval aviator. Both were 31 years old and from California.

The aviators weredeclared dead Sunday by the Navy, and search and rescue efforts were shifted to recovery operations.

Evans and Wileman were "two highly skilled, combat-decorated aviators who tragically lost their lives during a routine training flight," the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) said in a Facebook post.

President Joe Biden released a statement Monday afternoon regarding the death of the two U.S. Naval aviators:

"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."

RELATED |US Navy identifies 2 aviators killed in EA-18G Growler jet crash near Mount Rainier

"More than just names and ranks, they were role models, trailblazers, and women whose influence touched countless people on the flight deck and well beyond," the post added.

NASWI wrote that Evans and Wileman had recently returned from a nine-month deployment at sea with The Zappers as a part of Carrier Air Wing Three aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

NASWI said during their deployments, Evans coordinated and executed multiple combat strikes in Yemen in Houthi-controlled territories. Wileman also planned and flew multiple strikes, making each of them one of the few women to fly combat missions over land.

"Following her time at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Evans was commissioned through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and earned her “Wings of Gold” as a Naval Flight Officer out of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola," NASWI wrote in the post. "While familiar with the spotlight, Evans always carried herself as a humble yet strong leader – the quiet professional."

Evans was a veteran of two sea tours and mentored all ranks and communities who worked with Growlers, according to NASWI. Evans was a member of the historic all-female crew that executed the pregame flyover for Super Bowl LVII in 2023. The flyover included one Growler jet. The flyover was a commemoration of 50 years of women flying in the Navy.

"After completing the challenging 12-week HAVOC graduate-level course at NAS Fallon (the TOPGUN of the Growler community), Evans earned the honor and responsibility of becoming a Growler Tactics Instructor (GTI)," NASWI said. "Living up to this responsibility daily, her approachable and knowledgeable demeanor enabled the training and development of countless junior EA-18G Pilots and EWOs."

"Therefore, it was no surprise to her mentors and peers when she was recognized as the FY2024 Growler Tactics Instructor of the Year, a prestigious honor earned through her tactical acumen and sustained leadership," NASWI added in the post.

Evans wasawarded two Single Action Air Medals andearned three Strike Flight Air Medals.

"A native of California and commissioned through Officer Candidate School, Wileman was at the beginning of a promising and illustrious career," NASWI also wrote in the post. "As a senior first-tour Naval Aviator, she established herself as an energetic, vocal, and positive influence in VAQ-130. Known for her heart of gold, passion, and unrelenting smile, Wileman was always committed to improve and grow, not only for herself but every Sailor and officer around her.

NASWI said Wileman was calm and collected even when operating in a weapons engagement zone.

"Wileman’s exceptional leadership was highlighted during VAQ-130’s “Dirt Det,” where she was designated the Officer in Charge," NASWI said. Wileman earnedthree Strike Flight Air Medals.

"Outside the cockpit, Wileman made everyone smile. She would brighten up any room and was known for her genuine care and compassion for those around her," NASWI wrote. "She always brought a sense of calm, in the good times and bad, whether it was through a joke, a game of cribbage, or a giant bear hug for a Sailor in need of one.

“I am heartbroken to learn about the passing of Lt. Commander Lyndsay Evans," Sen. Patty Murray said in a statement. "I was honored to have met her at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, and I am deeply grateful for her courage and sacrifice in service to our country. She was a leader who broke barriers and made history."

“Similarly, I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Lt. Serena Wileman. Our servicemembers put their lives on the line every day—their bravery exemplifies the best of America," Murray added. "As we mourn the passing of these two courageous heroes, we must remember our commitment to honor them not only with words but by supporting the families they leave behind. I am so proud of both of these women for their trailblazing careers—their service has no doubt made a difference, clearing a path for the women who will come after them. The families and friends of Lt. Commander Evans and Lt. Wileman are in my thoughts during this difficult time.”