An internal US Air Force investigation has found that the service’s expertise in nuclear operations is waning but remains sound despite an embarrassing security lapse last year.
The USAF today released the results of a “blue ribbon review” commissioned shortly after nuclear-tipped cruise missiles were transported cross-country unknowingly by the crew of a Boeing B-52H.
“Nuclear surety-which includes safety, security and reliability-is sound but we observed that focus on the nuclear mission has diminished since the end of the Cold War,” said Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, chair of the review, in a statement.
Peyer’s team of 30 USAF officials and two US Navy representatives concluded that a focus on conventional operations in the post-Cold War era has led to a de-emphasis on nuclear operations.
The team also recommended that the USAF standardize inspection practices for nuclear weapons across the service.
Peyer added: “The Air Force has underwritten the national strategy for over 60 years by providing a credible deterrent force that dissuades opponents and reassures allies because our nuclear arm is always ready.”
Source: FlightGlobal.com