In a significant development, the U.S. military has officially lifted the ban on Osprey flights that had been in place since November 2021, when a tragic accident led to the deaths of eight Marines near Japan. The decision to unground the fleet came after a thorough investigation conducted by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), which concluded that maintenance and procedural changes had been implemented to ensure the safety of the aircraft.

According to NAVAIR officials, a meticulous and data-driven approach was taken to reach the decision to lift the ban. The investigation, in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, aimed to identify the material failure that caused the November Osprey crash. However, the exact nature of the material failure still remains unknown, and the investigation into the incident remains open.

The lifting of the ban was endorsed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who met with NAVAIR officials before giving the green light to resume Osprey operations. This paves the way for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps to once again utilize the versatile aircraft.

The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command has outlined a phased approach for reintroducing the Osprey into service. The first phase includes ground and simulator training, safety briefings, and squadron training. The second phase involves a "multi-month" process for aircrew to receive maintenance training. Finally, the third phase will see the full resumption of exercises and deployments with the Osprey.

The November crash in Japan saw the Osprey roll-over in mid-flight, with witnesses reporting the engine catching on fire. Following this tragic incident, the U.S. grounded its entire fleet of approximately 400 Osprey aircraft in early December 2021. The Osprey, known for its ability to take off vertically like a helicopter and then transition to airplane-like speeds, has faced crashes throughout its operational history, resulting in the loss of more than 50 servicemembers.

While the lifting of the grounding has been welcomed by many, concerns still persist. House Oversight Committee chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), who launched an investigation into the historic troubles of the Osprey after the Japan crash, criticized the Pentagon for not providing him with the necessary materials for his ongoing investigation. Rep. Comer highlighted concerns regarding accountability measures, transparency, prioritization of maintenance and operational upkeep, as well as risk assessment within the program.

As the Osprey flights are set to resume, the investigation into the November crash remains a priority to ensure the continued safety and effectiveness of this vital aircraft. The lifting of the ban represents a step forward for the U.S. military in supporting national defense interests, but further scrutiny and transparency will be essential to address the concerns surrounding the Osprey program.