Two aviators from California lost in a fatal fighter jet accident…
The story of Lt. Hattie Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman is one that reflects courage, discipline, and the powerful shift taking place within U.S. naval aviation. Evans first gained national attention during Super Bowl LVII in 2023, when she participated in the historic all-female flyover honoring 50 years of women in naval aviation. It wasn’t just a symbolic moment for the country—it became a milestone for every young woman who ever dreamed of a career in the sky. Evans stood out not only because she was part of that iconic formation, but because her reputation inside the Navy had already marked her as one of the most skilled and respected aviators of her generation. Her precision, professionalism, and leadership made it clear that she wasn’t just participating in history—she was helping shape it.
Lt. Serena N. Wileman shared a similar path of excellence. Commissioned in 2018, Wileman joined the renowned Electronic Attack Squadron 130, also known as the “Zappers,” in 2021. Her role required constant readiness, quick decision-making, and the ability to operate advanced electronic warfare aircraft that support America’s most sensitive missions. Those who served with her often spoke about her focus, her commitment to every detail of the job, and the quiet determination that made her an exceptional naval aviator. Like Evans, she represented a new era of women stepping into roles once dominated by men—roles that demand skill and bravery in equal measure.
Both women recently returned from a long and challenging deployment to the Middle East, where their squadron flew operations over Yemen and supported U.S. missions in the Red Sea. These flights were not routine or predictable; they took place in tense environments where every decision carried weight. Their service during this deployment revealed just how deeply they were committed to protecting national security. They spent long nights in briefing rooms, long hours in the air, and long stretches of time far from home, carrying out responsibilities that most Americans will never fully see or understand.
What is clear, however, is that their work made a difference. Their mission required discipline, courage, and trust—qualities both women demonstrated consistently throughout their service. Their achievements stand as a reminder that the future of naval aviation is not just strong, but more inclusive and more inspiring than ever.
