Navy Jet Crash Crew Confirmed Dead

Oct. 17 (UPI) -- The Navy confirmed the deaths of a two-person crew after their EA-18G Growler jet crashed in northeast Washington during a training mission on October 15. While the wreckage was found, the aviators remain unaccounted for.

Efforts have transitioned from a rescue operation to a recovery mission, according to Navy officials. Cmdr. Timothy Warburton of Electronic Attack Squadron 130 expressed condolences, stating, "Our priority right now is taking care of the families of our fallen aviators."

The jet crashed about 30 miles west of Yakima, near Mount Rainier. Rescue teams are facing challenging conditions, including mountainous terrain and low visibility, complicating ongoing search operations.

The squadron, known as "Zappers," had recently returned from a deployment in the Red Sea, where they conducted approximately 700 combat missions. The Growler jet, utilized for electronic warfare, is valued at approximately $67 million.

An emergency response center has been established on Whidbey Island, Washington, to coordinate search efforts and secure the area as they continue their operations to locate the missing crew members.