WASHINGTON — If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or live chat at 988lifeline.org.
Rep. James Comer, R-Tompkinsville, and the panel he leads on Capitol Hill are investigating whether Navy pilots and flight officers are suffering traumatic brain injuries, and what the Navy is doing about it.
The flight crews often endure intense G-forces, even on training missions, as they catapult-launch from aircraft carriers and undertake extreme dogfighting maneuvers.
The concern is that these forces are taking a toll on their brains.
Last week, Comer, who is chairman of the powerful House Oversight Committee, sent a letter to Secretary of the Navy John Phelan asking for reports and studies on the mental and physical health of F-18 aviators dating back to January 2023.
“The Committee is concerned that the Navy is failing to adequately understand or address the underlying causes of traumatic brain injuries, cognitive dysfunction, and mental health issues affecting aviators and flight officers,” the letter states. “Documents produced by the Navy indicate that the Department has never conducted a comprehensive investigation into the psychological effects of flight operations on these personnel.”
The letter refers to an investigation by The New York Times that found three Super Hornet pilots had died by suicide within the past 18 months, and that their families said they had symptoms consistent with brain injuries.
When asked for comment on the Oversight Committee’s letter, LCDR Courtney Williams, a public affairs officer with the office of the Secretary of the Navy, told Spectrum News Friday:
“The Secretary’s office received the letter and are taking its concerns seriously. The health, safety and readiness of our naval aviators and Sailors across the Fleet remain the Secretary’s highest priorities, and he is fully committed to ensuring they have the support and protection they need to carry out the mission.”
The committee’s letter states the deadline for the Navy to turn over the documents is Sept. 11.
Source link
#House #committee #investigates #brain #injuries #aviators