Prevalence of Neurologic & Mental Health Illness in US Naval Aviators: A Retrospective Cohort Study

06 April 2026

From Capt. G. Merrill Rice, D.O., MPH, and Capt. Jonathan D. Erpenbach, M.D., Aeromedical Division, Naval Safety Command

Recent media and public attention have linked the naval tactical aircraft accelerative environment to potential neurologic and mental health issues, but epidemiological research on tactical aviators is limited. This study reports the current prevalence of selected neurologic and mental health disorders among naval tactical aviators and non-tactical aviators.

Naval tactical aviators who fly aircraft such as the F/A-18 and F-35 are frequently exposed to intense, shifting G-forces, often ranging from four to seven times the force of gravity. While there is well-documented research on the physical strains and impacts of high G-forces and oxygen deprivation in TACAIR naval aviators, epidemiological data on the cognitive and mental health impacts of repeated exposures to these environments in TACAIR aviation environments is not as robust. This study looked to determine the prevalence of neurological and mental health disorders found within naval aviation for those aviators who are frequently exposed to high and dynamic G-forces as compared to non-TACAIR aviators.

Read the full study on Naval Safety Command's website.

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