By Marina Malenic
The Air Force yesterday announced disciplinary action against 15 officers over two nuclear safety incidents that earlier this year prompted the forced resignation of the service’s secretary and chief of staff. The Air Force has “decided to take action against a total of 15 officers, including six generals and nine colonels,” acting service Secretary Michael Donley said during a press briefing.
“These actions are administrative in nature but can carry with them substantial consequences for the careers of these officers,” Donley added.
Donley’s predecessor, Michael Wynn, and previous Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley stepped down following the mistaken shipment of nuclear components to Taiwan and a separate incident within the United States.
Last week, Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz hosted a nuclear summit at Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C., to begin a revamp of the Air Force’s nuclear enterprise.
A highly critical report released earlier this month identified ways the service can reinvigorate that effort. Headed by former Defense Secretary James Schlesinger, the panel responsible for the review presented 33 recommended changes in Air Force leadership and culture, organization and sustainment. Defense Secretary Robert Gates commissioned the panel following a report by Adm. Kirkland Donald on the Taiwan incident.