The US Navy said today that two American pilots were killed last week during a training flight, shortly after returning from tours in Yemen.

The Navy said in a statement that Lieutenant Colonel Lindsey Evans and Lieutenant Colonel Serena Wellman were killed when their EA-18G Growler plane crashed during a training flight near Mount Rainier in Washington on October 15.

Lieutenant Commander Lindsay “Miley” Evans and Lieutenant Serena “Doug” Wellman, both 31 and from California, were aboard an EA-18G Growler jet that crashed near Mount Rainier in Washington state last week.

Evans and Wellman recently spent nine months as part of the 130th Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ), also known as the Zappers, where they carried out strikes against the Houthis, an Iranian-backed Yemeni militia.

The Navy said that Evans “helped develop and implement new warfare tactics that require knowledge, innovation, and comprehensive understanding of air warfare and electronic attack.”

She also participated in the women's flight in Super

Last year's Bowl, which celebrated 50 years of women serving as Navy aviators.

Williman won three strike flying medals between December 2023 and April 2024.

The Navy said in a statement: “Outside the cockpit, Williman made everyone smile.” “She would brighten any room and was known for her genuine care and compassion for those around her. »