Naval Air Systems Command grounded the aircraft three months ago after a fatal crash in Japan.
The Pentagon is lifting the ban on the flight of the Osprey after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin endorsed the aircraft’s safe and measured return to operations. Naval Air Systems Command grounded the tilt-rotor craft after eight service members died in a crash in Japan in November, and in August, three Marines were killed in a crash in Australia. Both crashes are still being investigated.
Navy Rear Admiral Chris Engdahl, chairman of the Pentagon’s Joint Safety Council and commander of Naval Safety Command, said that the council worked with the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps on the plan to get the aircraft back in flight.
The defense secretary met with U.S. Air Force and Navy officials to review the plans to return the craft to service.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Austin to receive direction from the Lord as he heads the Department of Defense.
- For wisdom for Pentagon and service branch officials as they assess the problems with military aircraft and equipment.
Sources: Air Force Times, AP
