YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash — The status of two missing crew members aboard a crashed Navy jet cannot be confirmed until rescuers reach the remote crash site east of Mount Rainier.
The U.S. Navy said the site is in a "steep and heavily-wooded area" that is inaccessible by car.
In an update Thursday 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, continue search and rescue efforts on the mountain where the EA-18G Growler crashed on Oct. 15.
The special forces group brings "specialized mountaineering, high-angle rescue, medical, and technical communication skills" that will help 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.
Capt. Nathan Gammache, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Whidbey, where the crew members are stationed, said he is "confident" that rescuers have the resources necessary to reach the crash site.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.