Comer and Timmons Continue to Investigate Navy’s Efforts to Address Traumatic Brain Injuries in Aviators

WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs Chairman William Timmons (R-S.C.) are continuing to investigate the prevalence of traumatic brain injuries among current and former naval aviators and flight officers. In a letter to Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, Chairman Comer and Subcommittee Chairman Timmons request further information and documents from the U.S. Navy on its evaluation, tracking, and mitigation of health risks that could lead to traumatic brain injuries.

 
“[Recent] public reporting revealed concerns among current and former naval personnel about the possible prevalence of brain injuries among aviators and flight officers. In light of these concerns and to assist the Committee’s ongoing oversight, we are requesting additional documents and information related to the Navy’s evaluation, tracking, and mitigation of these health risks,” wrote the lawmakers. “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.”

Addressing the health and welfare of military personnel should be a priority for leaders of U.S. armed forces. Naval aviators and flight officers who suffer head injuries in their careers are at risk of developing mental health issues and severe cognitive impairments that can impact their ability to effectively carry out their jobs and potentially lead to suicide. This letter is part of the Committee’s ongoing investigation into the frequency of traumatic brain injuries among naval aviators and flight officers, as well as the Navy’s failure to adequately provide information related to these injuries among certain Navy personnel.  

“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 lack of information on this issue also raises concerns about the adequacy of the information that is being provided to Congress and decisionmakers regarding the health and welfare of our warfighters. It is critical that the Navy take all necessary steps to identify the potential health risks facing aviators and flight officers,” concluded the lawmakers.

Read the letter to U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan here.