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Nuclear Bombs Mistakenly Fly Over U.S.

By PAULINE JELINEK,
AP
Posted: 2007-09-05 19:32:20
Filed Under: Nation News
WASHINGTON (Sept. 5) -- A B-52 bomber was mistakenly armed with six nuclear warheads and flown for more than three hours across several states last week, prompting an Air Force investigation and the firing of one commander, Pentagon officials said Wednesday.

B-52 bomber
Karen S. Doerr, The Advertiser / AP

The six nuclear warheads were mounted onto pylons on the B-52 bomber's wings and it is unclear why the warheads had not been removed beforehand. Here, another B-52 flies overhead Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama in May.

The mistake was so serious that President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert Gates were quickly informed and Gates has asked for daily briefings on the Air Force inquiry, said Defense Department press secretary Geoff Morrell.

What's Your Take?

He said Gates was assured that "the munitions were part of a routine transfer between the two bases and at all times they were in the custody and control of Air Force personnel and at no time was the public in danger."

Rep. Ike Skelton, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, called the mishandling of the weapons "deeply disturbing" and said the committee would press the military for details. Rep. Edward J. Markey, a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, said it was "absolutely inexcusable."

"Nothing like this has ever been reported before and we have been assured for decades that it was impossible," said Markey, D-Mass., co-chair of the House task force on nonproliferation.

The plane was carrying advanced cruise missiles from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., on Aug. 30, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of a Defense Department policy not to confirm information on nuclear weapons.

The missiles, which are being decommissioned, were mounted onto pylons on the bomber's wings and it is unclear why the warheads had not been removed beforehand.

According to the officials, the weapons are designed with multiple safety features that ensure the warheads don't accidentally detonate.

Arming the weapons requires a number of stringent protocols and authentication codes that must be followed for detonation. And they are designed to withstand a significant impact, including an aircraft crash, without detonating.

The Air Combat Command has ordered a command-wide stand down on Sept. 14 to review procedures, officials said. They said there was minimal risk to crews and the public because of safety features designed into the munitions.

In addition to the munitions squadron commander who was relieved of his duties, crews involved with the mistaken load - including ground crew workers - have been temporarily decertified for handling munitions, one official said.

The investigation is expected to take several weeks.

The incident was first reported by Military Times newspaper group.

"There is no more serious issue than the security and proper handling of nuclear weapons," Skelton said in a statement Wednesday. "The American people, our friends, and our potential adversaries must be confident that the highest standards are in place when it comes to our nuclear arsenal."

Skelton, D-Mo., said his committee will pursue answers on the classified matter "to ensure that the Air Force and the Department of Defense address this particular incident and strengthen controls more generally."

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
2007-09-05 12:11:26
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2294 comments

rwnamvet68 03:52:00 AM Sep 11 2007

Report This!

Good night note:

See what does not make it to mainstream news.

h--p://w--.majormediabypass.co--

rwnamvet68 03:47:00 AM Sep 11 2007

Report This!

FINAL NOTE: I am surprised that this incident even hit the media at all. They just love to cover stuff like this up. This is the least of our problems. Our weapons are in competent hands. There is also something else your Government does NOT want you to know. NASA ?rediscovered? it some 20 years ago. NTK-Lid clamped on 17 years ago. I am no Bible thumper, but Bible people, check Revelations, Chapter 8, Vs. 11.
Believing it is not my concern. Draw your own conclusion

h--p://w--.returnofplanet-x.co?

rwnamvet68 03:41:00 AM Sep 11 2007

Report This!

ShadowSpiritxix 03:33:17 AM Sep 09 2007
2. The president is the leader, or "boss" if you will, of the government which governs or runs this country.

The President really is only supposed to be a mediator of the People. We are the Boss, he is an Employee!!!!!!!!!

rwnamvet68 03:39:00 AM Sep 11 2007

Report This!

ShadowSpiritxix 03:33:03 AM Sep 09 2007
1. Whether the nuclear warheads were armed or not, it is against the law to fly them over civilian zones.

True, but does it specify whome the law applies? I guess the CO and this crew didn't think it applied to them.

rwnamvet68 03:36:00 AM Sep 11 2007

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Jonswal40 04:59:44 PM Sep 08 2007
well first of all i think whoever leaked this imfo from the milatery should be charged for treason. 99.9 percent of you pinheads out there couldnt handle the truth and stop trying to run the country with your big mouths...............................

You are refering to BUSCH and Congress, right?

ShadowSpiritxix 11:33:17 PM Sep 08 2007

Report This!

2. The president is the leader, or"boss" if you will, of the government which governs or runs this country.

ShadowSpiritxix 11:33:03 PM Sep 08 2007

Report This!

1. Whether the nuclear warheads were armed or not, it is against the law to fly them over civilian zones.

ShadowSpiritxix 11:31:23 PM Sep 08 2007

Report This!

ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ShadowSpiritxix 11:31:08 PM Sep 08 2007

Report This!

testing 123

ShadowSpiritxix 09:27:46 PM Sep 08 2007

Report This!

AOL = Censorship!

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