DOD leaders thank Guard for help after Navy Growler crash

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Senior Department of Defense leaders, including Vice Adm. Dan Cheever, commander of Naval Air Forces, recently honored members of the Washington National Guard for supporting the multi-agency search and recovery mission following the crash of a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft.

“I wanted to send a heartfelt thank you to your National Guard team for their support of the downed EA-18G Growler,” wrote Cheever in an email to Washington National Guard leaders. “Their first-class assistance and exceptional professionalism were greatly appreciated during this tragic event. The dignified transfer off the mountain and participation in the memorial service are testaments to the heart within your force.”

The crash occurred Oct. 15 during a routine training flight in a remote area east of Mount Rainier in Yakima County at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet. The challenging terrain complicated initial search and recovery efforts. After several days, Navy personnel and local law enforcement determined that specialized units were needed to assist.

The 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation, 96th Aviation Troop Command, was one of the first units called to help. Their CH-47 Chinook helicopters delivered essential equipment and transported Special Forces Soldiers to aid in the difficult operations. The Navy confirmed the loss of both crew members and shifted the mission to recovery and investigation.

Soldiers from the 420th Chemical Battalion were mobilized under State Active Duty authority to secure the crash site. Guard members provided 24/7 security at traffic control points to ensure the integrity of the recovery site.

“When the mission turned from search and rescue to recovery/reclamation, the National Guard stepped up and provided crash-site security,” said Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, chief of Naval Operations, in an email to National Guard leadership. “It made a difference in a challenging time.”

Recovery efforts concluded Oct. 27. The operation highlighted the seamless collaboration between the Navy, National Guard and local agencies to address emergencies in challenging environments.

“This was quite a sobering experience. It was an honor to be called upon and trusted to support the recovery operations,” said Col. Angela Gentry, director of operations, Joint Force Headquarters, Washington National Guard. “This is never the circumstance for which you would want to bring the community together, but the amount of professionalism in the seamless activation and execution of every duty and responsibility was simply impressive.”