In April 2008, some pilots flying the Air Force's vaunted F-22 Raptor began reporting trouble breathing while in the air. More than four years later, the Pentagon still hasn't solved the problem, apparently a serious one involving equipment.
Since April 2008, 22 Raptor pilots have reported oxygen deprivation problems. A few pilots actually have refused to fly the F-22, because of the oxygen system failure.
The F-22, at more than $400 million each when fully equipped, is among the most advanced weapons in the U.S. arsenal. It is a stealth craft, made to invade enemy airspace without being detected. Given the shift in tactics used by the armed forces, it is critical the Air Force be able to deploy F-22s whenever and wherever they are needed.
Yet earlier this year, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta ordered no F-22 be sent on a mission outside a "proximate distance" from a base - in case pilots suffer oxygen deprivation.
Panetta's order was issued only after trouble with the F-22 and pilots' concerns about it were publicized.
Why did it take the Pentagon - and the F-22's manufacturer, Lockheed-Martin Corp. - so long to take action on pilots' complaints?
Some members of Congress, both Democrat and Republican, want answers about the F-22. They should insist on assurances pilots are not being jeopardized - and national defense is not being hampered. Then, they should demand to know why it took so long to address what clearly is a serious problem.