YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash — The status of two missing crew members aboard a crashed Navy jet have not been confirmed after rescuers reached the remote crash site east of Mount Rainier on Friday.
The U.S. Navy said the site is in a "steep and heavily-wooded area" that is inaccessible by car.
In an update Friday night, the Navy said their personnel, along with local law enforcement and partner agencies, including soldiers from the 1st Special Forces Group at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, reached the location where the Growler crashed on Oct. 15.
Personnel on site are searching "an expansive area, evaluating debris and searching for information in the snow-covered" environment, according to an update from the Navy.
"Finding the aircrew continues to be our primary focus," the update reads.
A special forces group brought "specialized mountaineering, high-angle rescue, medical, and technical communication skills" that helped them navigate the difficult terrain of the Cascade Mountain Range.
Capt. David Gancy, commander for the Electronic Attack Wing of the U.S. Pacific Fleet said, "Our priority is to locate our two aviators as quickly and as safely as possible."
Why hasn't the Navy identified the missing crew members?
Three days out from the crash and the U.S. Navy still has not released the identities of the two crew members aboard the growler. Capt. Gancy said in a release that this is consistent with U.S. Department of Defense protocol.
"We cannot identify or confirm the names of aircrew involved in a mishap until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified of their status," Gancy said.
Gancy asked the public to remain patient and limit speculation about the incident.
"That is one of the best ways we can respect the privacy of the loved ones who are impacted by this tragic event," Gancy said.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.