To maintain combat readiness, our Navy and Marine Corps pilots and aircrew require more than just skill and courage, their mental well-being is paramount. A recent study published in Psychological Services by CAPT Carrie Kennedy, PhD, and LCDR (sel) Jacob Westerberg, PhD, highlights the critical role of specialized training for healthcare providers. Their findings reveal that physicians and psychologists with aeromedical officer (AMO) training return twice as many aviators and aircrew to flight status compared to their non-trained counterparts. This means fewer qualified pilots and aircrew are sidelined due to mental health concerns, ensuring a more robust and mission-ready force. Given that human error contributes to an estimated 70-80% of naval aviation mishaps, AMO training is crucial. It equips healthcare professionals with the specialized knowledge to effectively support the unique culture and demanding environment of naval aviation. Kennedy and Westerberg's (2025) research demonstrates that investing in this specialized training not only saves the Navy valuable time and resources, but enhances operational capabilities by fostering a mentally healthy and mission-ready aviation force.
Currently, CAPT Carrie Kennedy, PhD serves as an Aerospace Psychologist with the Chief of Naval Air training, and LCDR (sel) Jacob Westerberg, PhD serves as a Research Psychologist with the Office of the Naval Inspector General.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2025 15:51 |
| Story ID: | 549607 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 46 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Mission Monday: Mission Readiness through specialized training, by Alesha Hernandez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
