Massachusetts Democratic lawmakers urge Pentagon to re-ground Ospreys due to safety concerns

Three Democratic lawmakers from Massachusetts on Monday sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, urging him to re-ground the military’s fleet of V-22 Ospreys until several safety concerns are addressed.

The military aircrafts, which are operated by the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, were grounded earlier this year following multiple accidents, including one in Nov. 2023, where eight service members were killed. An investigation by the Associated Press found at least 21 major accidents, with most being tied to the aircraft's design.

Massachusetts Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey and Rep. Richard Neal on Monday told Austin that “given the current concerns about the safety of the V-22, the aircraft should be grounded, and should not be deployed again until the platform’s significant deficiencies are fully addressed.”

The military's fleet has since resumed operations, but with some limitations. Program officials told the outlet that they are working on improvements to the V-22s safety and reliability.

Some pilots said that despite the safety concerns, they still do not want the aircraft grounded again, because it has unique abilities.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.