House Panel Probes Navy’s Handling of Brain Injuries Among Pilots
Leaders on the House Oversight Committee are accusing the Navy of failing to adequately address the psychological toll of flight operations, citing the prevalence of traumatic brain injuries, cognitive dysfunction, and mental health issues among aviators and flight officers. In a new letter sent to Navy Secretary John Phelan, lawmakers have demanded comprehensive data and reports on these issues, urging the service to conduct a thorough investigation into the risks facing pilots.
The letter, authored by Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and Rep. William Timmons (R-S.C.), chair of the Military and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee, outlines concerns that the Navy has not conducted a comprehensive analysis of the underlying causes of these health issues. The Committee highlighted the potential inadequacy of the information provided to Congress and decision-makers regarding the well-being of warfighters.
In addition to the inquiry into traumatic brain injuries, the lawmakers are also seeking detailed reports on cognitive dysfunction and mental health problems affecting aviators and flight officers. The letter requests all relevant reports, statistical data, medical studies, situational assessments, and communications dating back to January 1, 2023, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
This probe follows a previous inquiry by Comer and Timmons regarding a secret Navy project known as Project Odin, launched in 2024 to study brain injury phenomena among TOPGUN graduates. Matthew ‘Whiz’ Buckley, a TOPGUN graduate and F/A-18 fighter pilot, described the physical demands of catapult takeoffs and maneuvers as equivalent to a car crash, leading to brain injuries. He noted the impact of high-speed operations and the physical strain of pulling Gs during maneuvers.
Buckley, who is also the founder of the veterans’ anti-suicide group No Fallen Heroes, pointed out that the Navy often promotes the ‘cool’ factor of flying jets popularized in movies like ‘Top Gun,’ while failing to warn pilots about the risks associated with years of high-speed flights. He emphasized the lack of support and proper care for pilots who suffer long-term effects from their duty.
A February New York Times report detailed how several F/A-18 Super Hornet crew members have experienced brain injuries after years of catapult takeoffs and dogfighting training, resulting in symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, depression, and PTSD-like feelings. Buckley shared his personal experience, attributing his symptoms initially to the Navy’s drinking culture, but later realizing they were related to his duties.
Buckley also recounted the tragic loss of three fellow F-18 pilots to suicide, which further underscored the mental health challenges faced by aviators. Many ex-pilots who transition into the commercial airline industry often struggle to disclose their brain injury symptoms on job applications, highlighting the lack of resources and support for veterans.
Despite the Navy’s inability to avoid the extreme conditions of combat training, Buckley argued that the service must take more responsibility to ensure proper care for pilots dealing with long-term effects. He criticized the military for excelling in training but failing in transitioning veterans back to civilian life. His sentiments reflect a broader concern about the long-term health and well-being of pilots after their service.
The Navy has thus far not responded to the House inquiry, which adds to the growing pressure on the service to provide a thorough explanation and take action on these pressing issues.