Three Massachusetts legislators are urging Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to suspend the use of the V-22 Osprey aircraft until comprehensive investigations can determine the reasons behind several recent incidents, including a fatal crash in Japan. Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, along with Representative Richard Neal, criticized the decision to permit limited flight operations for the Ospreys despite ongoing safety concerns. Naval Air Systems Command had granted approval for restricted flight activities in March, limiting the aircraft from performing certain missions it was designed for, such as aircraft carrier operations, amphibious transport, and special operations, until at least mid-2025.
The Ospreys had previously been grounded across the military for three months following a tragic crash in Japan that claimed the lives of eight Air Force members from the Special Operations Command. Despite its unique capabilities that blend airplane speed with helicopter landing capabilities, the aging Osprey has been experiencing unexpected part failures, leading to a series of fatal accidents over the past two years that resulted in the deaths of 20 service members. Two victims, Marine Corps Capt. Ross Reynolds and Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher, were from Massachusetts, emphasizing the personal connection for the lawmakers.
Warren, Markey, and Neal highlighted the importance of prioritizing the safety of service members and called for the grounding of the V-22 Osprey until a thorough investigation identifies the causes of the recurring accidents and permanent solutions are implemented. In their letter to the Defense Secretary, they included a detailed list of safety concerns about the aircraft, joining numerous official inquiries into the V-22 program. Both Congress and internal military entities like Naval Air Systems Command and the Air Force are conducting multiple investigations and reviews into the safety and operational aspects of the Osprey.
As of Friday, the Pentagon had not confirmed whether they had received the lawmakers’ letter, which underscores the ongoing dialogue and scrutiny surrounding the V-22 Osprey program.
