Air force fires general in charge of US nuclear missiles for 'misbehaviour'

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/11/us-air-force-fires-michael-carey-nuclear-missiles

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The two-star general in charge of US intercontinental nuclear missiles has been fired for "personal misbehaviour" after an air force investigation into an unspecified incident during a "temporary duty assignment".

In a statement, the air force said Major General Michael Carey's removal from his job as commander of the 20th Air Force was due to a loss of trust and confidence.

The statement revealed little detail but said the sacking was not related to a sexual assault, nor to operational readiness of US nuclear missiles. It was "based on information from an inspector general investigation into Carey's behaviour during a temporary duty assignment," the statement said.

"20th AF continues to execute its mission of around-the-clock nuclear deterrence in a safe, secure and effective manner," Lt General James Kowalski, commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, said. "It's unfortunate that I've had to relieve an officer who's had an otherwise distinctive career spanning 35 years of commendable service." The vice-commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, Major General Jack Weinstein, will temporarily replace Carey.

The unit Carey commanded, based at FE Warren air force base in Wyoming, is responsible for 450 missiles at three bases across the country. The removal of Carey comes just two days after the deputy commander of US Strategic Command, which oversees all of the US nuclear arsenal, as well as its space operations, was relieved from his job during an investigation into issues related to gambling.

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