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US plans separate nuclear command | US plans separate nuclear command |
(1 day later) | |
The US Air Force (USAF) is planning to set up a new Global Strike Command for its nuclear weapons as part of a re-organisation after recent mishaps. | The US Air Force (USAF) is planning to set up a new Global Strike Command for its nuclear weapons as part of a re-organisation after recent mishaps. |
The move follows the discovery that six nuclear weapons were mistakenly flown across the US, and that nuclear missile fuses were sent unknowingly to Taiwan. | The move follows the discovery that six nuclear weapons were mistakenly flown across the US, and that nuclear missile fuses were sent unknowingly to Taiwan. |
The blunders resulted in the sacking of two of USAF's most senior officials. | The blunders resulted in the sacking of two of USAF's most senior officials. |
A three-star general will head the new command, part of a project aimed at shaking up USAF's nuclear mission. | A three-star general will head the new command, part of a project aimed at shaking up USAF's nuclear mission. |
"This is a critical milestone for us. It's a new starting point for reinvigoration of this enterprise," said Air Force Secretary Michael Donley. | "This is a critical milestone for us. It's a new starting point for reinvigoration of this enterprise," said Air Force Secretary Michael Donley. |
"It is an extremely important mission for the United States Air Force." | "It is an extremely important mission for the United States Air Force." |
'Embarrassing' | 'Embarrassing' |
In June, Gen T Michael Moseley, USAF chief of staff, and Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne were both asked to resign by Defence Secretary Robert Gates after a report revealed that the security of US nuclear weapons and parts had been in question. | In June, Gen T Michael Moseley, USAF chief of staff, and Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne were both asked to resign by Defence Secretary Robert Gates after a report revealed that the security of US nuclear weapons and parts had been in question. |
The report cited two embarrassing incidents. | The report cited two embarrassing incidents. |
The first occurred in 2006 when electrical fuses for ballistic missiles were mistakenly sent from a US base in Wyoming to Taiwan in place of helicopter batteries. | |
The Chinese government, which vehemently opposes US arms sales to Taiwan and has threatened to attack the island if it declares independence, was informed by the US about the error. | The Chinese government, which vehemently opposes US arms sales to Taiwan and has threatened to attack the island if it declares independence, was informed by the US about the error. |
The other embarrassing incident occurred last year when a B-52 bomber mistakenly armed with six nuclear-tipped cruise missiles flew across the country, without anyone realising the weapons were on board. | The other embarrassing incident occurred last year when a B-52 bomber mistakenly armed with six nuclear-tipped cruise missiles flew across the country, without anyone realising the weapons were on board. |
The new Global Strike Command will be established by September 2009, said officials. | The new Global Strike Command will be established by September 2009, said officials. |
All nuclear-capable B-52 and B-2 bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles will be shifted from their current locations to the new command. | |
Officials did not disclose the location of the new command or how much the re-organisation would cost. | Officials did not disclose the location of the new command or how much the re-organisation would cost. |