Rep. Bergman Opening Remarks on Joint Seapower & Projection Forces And Readiness Subcommittee Hearing

Washington, D.C., February 10, 2026
Tags: Readiness
“The V-22 Osprey faces readiness challenges due to its complex design, high maintenance manhour requirements, inefficient supply system, and current sustainment strategy, Readiness Subcommittee Chairman Bergman said. “While I remain convinced that the V-22 Osprey program is essential, I find the trends associated with the costs and mission-capability rates particularly troubling. These readiness trends are out of alignment with the balance of the naval aviation enterprise and must be addressed urgently.”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness, delivered the following remarks at a joint Readiness and Seapower & Projection Forces subcommittee hearing on the response to aviation safety mishaps and low readiness numbers of the V-22 Osprey over the past five years. 

Chairman Bergman's Full Opening Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

I appreciate Chairman Kelly for recognizing me, and I am particularly pleased to be working with him, Ranking Member Garamendi, and Ranking Member Courtney to address the systemic problems associated with the V-22 Osprey program.
 
At the outset, I want to highlight the incredible capabilities the V-22 Osprey program delivers. 

The extended range, increased speed, and expanded lift options compared with legacy rotary-wing capabilities are essential to maintaining air superiority in future conflicts. 

It is not surprising that the Army chose a V-22 Osprey variant as their future long-range assault aircraft. 

While I remain convinced that the V-22 Osprey program is essential, I find the trends associated with the costs and mission-capability rates particularly troubling. 

The V-22 Osprey faces readiness challenges due to its complex design, high maintenance manhour requirements, inefficient supply system, and current sustainment strategy. 

These factors have led to persistently low mission-capable rates and a 30% increase in operating and maintenance costs per flight hour over the past four years. 

Undoubtedly, the number of “hangar queens” that are being parted out to support the fleet is excessive. 

These readiness trends are out of alignment with the balance of the naval aviation enterprise and must be addressed urgently.

The cumulative risk posture of the V-22 platforms has been growing since initial fielding.

The 28 unresolved risk assessments, averaging about 9 years, are unacceptable.

I am pleased that the NAVAIR 2025 Comprehensive Report acknowledges this problem. We need to be aggressive in addressing all of these long-term, systemic risk issues.

By addressing the limitations associated with mission capability rates and ensuring an enduring V-22 Osprey Joint Program Office methodology of addressing existing challenges, I am confident that we can equally address current and emerging safety concerns. 

We need to be a learning organization that prioritizes the safety of our aircrew above all things.