Statement by SASC Chairman John McCain on Oxygen System Failures on Air Force & Navy Aircraft

Statement

U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the Air Force's ongoing investigation into recent oxygen system failures on F-35A aircraft at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, which remain temporarily grounded. Chairman McCain also commented on a new report released by the Navy revealing an uptick in similar oxygen system failures on F/A-18 and T-45 aircraft:

"I am deeply concerned by the recent increase in oxygen system failures in the cockpits of F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, which the Air Force continues to investigate at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. These hypoxia-related physiological events raise questions about the safety of our pilots. With the Navy also reporting this week similar upticks in oxygen-related incidents on F/A-18 and T-45 aircraft, it is important to consider the safety of all of our flight programs and ensure the well-being of our aviators. I am encouraged that Air Force and Navy leadership are taking these events seriously and are committed to investigating the root cause.

"I look forward to reviewing the results of the investigations into these incidents, as well as recommendations for remedial measures. The Senate Armed Services Committee will continue to exercise vigorous oversight of this issue and, if warranted, address it in the National Defense Authorization Act."

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