Staff Reports
Tragedy struck the U.S. Navy this week when one of its advanced jets vanished during a training operation, reminding everyone that military prowess doesn’t always mean invincibility. The EA-18G Growler, a cutting-edge aircraft known for its electronic warfare capabilities, went down in the rugged mountains near Mount Rainier in Washington state. Two pilots are now unaccounted for, and a search is underway, but so far, attempts have been complicated by challenging terrain and dismal weather.
In a twist that has become all too familiar under the current administration, the Biden-Harris White House remained conspicuously silent about this potentially deadly incident. Perhaps celebrating the arrival of new executive orders is a priority over the lives of brave servicemen and women. While the nation waits for a word from its leaders, search and rescue teams are working around the clock to locate the pilots, if they’re lucky enough to have ejected before the crash.
🚨🇺🇸#BREAKING | UPDATE THE SEARCH CONTINUES AFTER NAVY FIGHTER JET
CRASHES NEAR MOUNT
RAINIER IM SEATTLE ⚠️🔥TWO CREW MEMBERS ARE STILL MISSING BUT SEARCH AND RESCUE HAVE FOUND THE WRECKAGE🚨⭕️ pic.twitter.com/xdL01YAQgJ
— Todd Paron🇺🇸🇬🇷🎧👽 (@tparon) October 17, 2024
The Growler, an aircraft that packs serious punch, is similar to the much-lauded F/A-18 Super Hornet but pulls double duty with its electronic warfare functions. This jet usually carries out its missions proudly from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, a hub for the Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130. However, the allure of the mountain range has proven to be more than a picturesque training backdrop, as disaster reared its ugly head.
As news of the crash broke, it became apparent that mountains aren’t just for hiking—they also host their share of setbacks for military rescues. Aerial operations continued through the night, but the lack of visibility and the dangers of mountainous terrain made the mission more than just a game of hide-and-seek. By midday on October 16, neither the pilots nor any wreckage seemed to be found, prompting concerns that this incident might turn from a search operation into a recovery mission.
Subsequent reports revealed that the aircraft’s wreckage was located on a forbidding mountainside. This particular spot, however, isn’t exactly a drive-thru location. It’s essentially cut off from vehicles, meaning responders will have to hoof it to assess the situation. While rescuers brave the elements, hot on the trail of any sign of the two pilots, some may ponder about what could have been done differently had there been a government more focused on supporting our military than restricting it.
The search effort saw a united front from various military branches, local law enforcement, and even volunteers, proving that America still has a community spirit regardless of what’s coming from the top. Captains and commanders expressed their gratitude for the teamwork shown in the face of adversity. While the situation looks grim, this tragic event underscores the valor of the individuals involved, as they work long hours in hopes of bringing their comrades back home, while independently pondering if future efforts might finally attract a little more attention from those in Washington.
