Missing US Navy pilots declared dead days after EA-18G Growler fighter jet crashes
Two crew members who were missing after their electronic warfare aircraft crashed during a routine training flight have been declared dead by the US Navy.
Their EA-18G Growler jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron went down in mountainous terrain in Washington State.
Special forces soldiers trained in mountaineering were brought in to reach the wreckage, found by an aerial search crew at about 6,000ft (1,828m) in a remote, steep and heavily wooded area east of Mount Rainier.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers," said Commander Timothy Warburton, the commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, referring to the squadron's nickname.
"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."
In accordance with US Navy policy, the names of the aviators will not be released until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is the most specialised and advanced aircraft flown by the Electronic Attack Squadron, the oldest electronic warfare squadron in the US Navy.
It is a variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet Block II with the addition of the latest AEA avionics suite, which includes a vast array of sensors and weapons.
According to the US Navy, the EA-18G Growler is part of the first line of defence in hostile environments.
Electronic Attack Squadron 130 (VAQ-130) adopted the Zapper Dragon insignia when the squadron was originally commissioned as Carrier Early Warning Squadron Thirteen (VAW-13) flying AD-5Qs in 1959.
The AD-5Q was the electronic warfare variant of the Douglas A-1 Skyraider.
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