Gunner's Blog

Letters to the Editor

Washington Post
Thursday, September 27, 2007; Page A24

Regarding the Sept. 23 front-page story "The Saga of a Bent Spear," about problems with the handling of six nuclear weapons last month:

The Air Force has acted swiftly since this incident occurred. From the outset, we admitted that we made a mistake with a munitions transfer, and we took immediate personnel actions. We launched an investigation led by a general to determine how this happened. That investigation should be completed within several days.

And we are not waiting on the investigation's results to ensure that our munitions processes are in order. First, we are conducting weapons inspections at all installations similar to Minot and Barksdale Air Force bases, taking a hard look at our munitions procedures. Second, Air Combat Command conducted a command-wide stand-down to review munitions policies, regulations and procedures. Third, we are in constant dialogue with the secretary of defense's staff on the status of our investigation, which is being assisted by representatives from his inspector general's office. Fourth, I have visited Minot and Barksdale to see firsthand the dedicated professionals responsible for working with our munitions. They are committed to ensuring that our weapons remain secure.

We owe America a comprehensive, detailed investigation. And when it's complete, we will provide America with results that are fully transparent and accurate.

MICHAEL W. WYNNE

Secretary of the Air Force

Pentagon

Washington

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SECAF Wynne is to be commended for his swift action is this matter. I am sure that the "personnel actions" were warranted. In my experience, such actions usually do not involve anyone that are field grade or above. I would like to see a list of those that were subjected to personnel actions.

I don't wish to know names, just the action, rank and organizational responsibilities of those disciplined (if that is the right word for "personnel actions" - for all we know, they could have awarded those involved with letters of commendation. Or, possibly transferring from Minot to Florida - after all those constitute personnel action.

Another retired US Army friend and discussed this matter, and both of us are of the opinion that most of these matters are resolved by harsh punishment for those low on the totem pole. Rarely are those that are really responsible punished. They use the regulations as a tool to avoid responsibility. One of the basic principles of military organizations is that one can delegate authority, but cannot delegate responsibility.

If the right thing is done, everyone in the chain of command starting with SECAF Wynne and going down to the enlisted person that actually mounted the weapons on the B-52 and the pilots of the airplane should get at least a letter of reprimand or harsher personnel action.

~g

This comment has been published on the Washington Post - See:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/26/AR2007092602270_Comments.html

Labels: Barksdale AFB, Broken Spear, Minot AFB, Six Nuclear weapons