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Air Force Unit Responsible For Guarding Nuclear Missiles Fails Safety And Security Inspection

by db

08.13.13 | 9:11 am

FILE - This undated handout photo made available by the Department Of Defense shows a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber dropping conventional weapons. As of mid-2010, the United States deploys 316 nuclear bombs and nuclear ... FILE - This undated handout photo made available by the Department Of Defense shows a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber dropping conventional weapons. As of mid-2010, the United States deploys 316 nuclear bombs and nuclear cruise missiles on some 60 strategic bombers. A movement is growing worldwide to abolish nuclear weapons, encouraged by President Barack Obama's endorsement of that goal. But "realists" argue that more stability and peace must first be achieved in the world. (AP Photo/U.S. Department of Defense) MORE LESS

WASHINGTON (AP) — Air Force officials say a unit responsible for operating nuclear missiles has failed a safety and security inspection.

This is the second major setback this year for the Air Force’s nuclear weapons force, which is responsible for 450 land-based nuclear missiles on 24/7 alert for potential launch at targets around the globe. Last spring a missile unit in North Dakota received weak grades on an inspection but did not fail it outright; that performance was so poor, however, that 17 officers temporarily lost their authority to operate missiles.

As described to The Associated Press on Tuesday by Air Force Lt. Gen. James M. Kowalski, the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., failed a nuclear safety and security inspection this week.

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Air Force Unit Responsible For Guarding Nuclear Missiles Fails Safety And Security Inspection

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