Mass. Senators write to NFL Commissioner urging to cancel aircraft flyover linked to servicemember deaths
WASHINGTON (WWLP) – Senator Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Friday, urging him to cancel the planned flyover of the V-22 Osprey aircraft on Super Bowl Sunday.
The senators wrote to Goodell with concerns regarding the flyover due to the aircraft's 21 major accidents it has been a part of since 1992. These accidents have resulted in 64 deaths.
Pittsfield native Air Force member killed in Osprey crash near Japan
The most recent crash occurred off the coast of Japan in November 2023 and caused eight service members to die, including Staff Sergeant Jacob Galliher, a young father from Pittsfield. In December 2024, an Osprey experienced an engine failure and was forced to land.
Markey, who is a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and warren, who is a member of the Armed Services Committee, expressed these worries when writing to the commissioner.
'On the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps, we appreciate the NFL's effort to honor servicemembers,' the lawmakers wrote. 'But we believe that it is inappropriate to feature the Osprey in this way and that the aircraft should not be included in the flyover.'
'The families of these brave servicemembers are still grieving the loss of their loved ones. They should not have to be reminded of their loss while watching the Super Bowl. Out of respect for the military families and in deference to the safety concerns about the aircraft, we strongly urge you to cancel the planned V-22 Osprey Super Bowl flyover this Sunday.'
The senators also wrote to the Pentagon in November 2024 raising safety concerns about the V-22 aircraft and the increase in dangerous incidents. They stated that until those concerns are resolved, the Osprey should be grounded.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
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