The search for missing crew is intensifying after a Navy jet crashed near Mount Rainier

STATE OF WASHINGTON – The U.S. Navy, local law enforcement and partner agencies responded Tuesday to the site where an EA-18G Growler crashed.

The Navy said in an update sent to KOMO News on Friday that personnel on scene are “methodically searching a wide area, evaluating debris and searching for information in the snowy wilderness environment.”

The Navy further noted that its primary focus was searching for the missing crew members. The Navy has requested assistance from the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team to help locate the aircraft and missing crew members, YCSO Public Information Officer Casey Schilperoort told KOMO News on Wednesday.

Schilperoort said two teams were searching, but added that the YCSO planned to seek help from other regional search and rescue teams to step in during rest periods.

RELATED: Wreckage of crashed Navy plane found near Mount Rainier, search continues for two crew members

SEE ALSO: EA-18G Growler: What to know about the type of Navy jet that crashed near Mount Rainier

The YCSO released an update Friday morning saying the wreckage currently rests at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet in a remote, steep and heavily forested area east of Mount Rainier.

According to the YCSO, Soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) are also assisting in the search. According to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, the Navy EA-18G Growler crashed on Tuesday around 3:23 p.m. The crashed Growler jet is from “The Zappers,” also known as Electronic Attack Squadron 130 or VAQ-130.

The Navy said an emergency operations center has been set up at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to coordinate relief efforts. Naval Air Station North Island said Wednesday that preparations were being made to send crews to the crash site and secure the area.

SEE ALSO: Community clings to hope as search continues for crew of crashed Navy Growler jet

RELATED: Search continues for two crew members after Navy jet crashes near Mount Rainier

“The status of the crew cannot be confirmed without a site assessment of the debris area,” the YCSO wrote. “There are no known risks to the public. “We appreciate the community’s support as experienced personnel provide assistance around the crash site. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.”

The YCSO said it could not identify or confirm the names of flight crews involved in an accident until 24 hours after their next of kin were notified of their status.

The EA-18G Growler is similar to the F/A-18F Super Hornet – the type of jet used by the US Navy’s Blue Angels – and features sophisticated electronic warfare equipment. All Growler squadrons are stationed at NASWI, except for one squadron (VAQ-141) stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.

According to the Navy’s website, the similarities between Growler and Super Hornet jets leave the Growler room for future upgrades and growth. Boeing said the Growler is “the most advanced airborne electronic attack (AEA) platform and the only one currently in production.”

The 60.2-foot-long and 16-foot-tall Growler has a thrust force of 44,000 pounds. The jet has a wingspan of 44.9 feet and weighs 33,094 pounds when empty.