NW Kentucky News

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer has initiated an investigation into the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program, commonly known as TOPGUN. The probe follows reports of physical and mental harm affecting pilots and instructors within the program.

In a communication addressed to Acting Secretary of the United States Navy Terence Emmert, Chairman Comer requests a briefing along with documents and information regarding internal measures aimed at reducing risks to Navy aviators and flight instructors.

"The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating the U.S. Navy’s (Navy) efforts to mitigate possible physiological and psychological effects inflicted on certain naval aviators and flight officers, including those within the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program (TOPGUN). Additionally, the Committee is investigating an internal Navy project aimed at evaluating these issues, code-named ‘Project Odin’s Eye,’” wrote Chairman Comer. “Project Odin’s Eye, reportedly initiated without formal approval from Navy Medical and Air Commands, raises additional questions about the Navy’s knowledge of potential issues and whether it is acting to mitigate these issues in a comprehensive and effective manner.”

Recent reports have highlighted concerns among current and former Navy personnel about brain injuries possibly prevalent among naval aviators and flight officers. These reports also mention that three F-18 Super Hornet pilots died by suicide after experiencing symptoms of traumatic brain injuries potentially linked to their service as naval aviators. Other reported symptoms include confusion, anxiety, depression, memory loss, and mood swings.

"While elite and highly trained naval aviators and flight officers understand the high-stress, high-stakes missions they will undergo to safeguard American national security, it is imperative to ensure the warfighter has full and accurate information about health risks and the tools, both mental and physical, to safeguard their health,” continued Chairman Comer. “To better understand to what extent the Navy has or has not evaluated and addressed concerning physiological and psychological injuries for naval aviators and flight officers, please make arrangements to schedule a briefing with Committee staff on this matter as soon as possible but no later than February 20, 2025.”

Read the letter to Acting Secretary of the United States Navy Emmert here.