By Marina Malenic
The Air Force plans to create a new staff office to consolidate oversight of its nuclear efforts, while disciplinary action against more general officers and colonels is expected this week over two recent nuclear safety incidents.
Acting Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz hosted a nuclear summit last week at Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C. On Sept. 18, key Air Force, Pentagon and interagency personnel approved the creation of a new Headquarters Air Force/A10 staff office, split out from the existing HAF/A3/5 office. The new organization is expected to focus purely on nuclear matters, according to an Air Force press statement released over the weekend.
The group also approved institution of a stronger, more centralized inspections process; consolidation and expansion of training for nuclear security personnel; and expansion of the service’s Nuclear Weapons Center. The Air Force’s upcoming Corona conference of senior leaders is expected to make additional organizational changes.
A highly critical report released earlier this month identified ways the service can reinvigorate efforts in its nuclear enterprise. 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 regarding a mistaken shipment of sensitive nuclear-related components to Taiwan.
Meanwhile, the Air Force expects to announce disciplinary action against several general officers and colonels over the 2006 Taiwan incident, as well as the mistaken transport of six nuclear missiles on a B-52 the following year. Air Force sources say the punishments could be announced later this week.
Former service Secretary Michael Wynn and Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley were forced to resign over the incidents earlier this year.