WASHINGTON -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates initially wanted to release more information about a B-52 mission that mistakenly carried nuclear weapons across the U.S. but was talked out of it by uniformed officers, a military source said Thursday. The source, who is close to the Air ForceÂ’s ongoing investigation, said that when the Air Force briefed Gates last Friday, the secretaryÂ’s reaction was to urge release of as much information as possible to allay public concern.
But the Air Force balked, citing long-standing policy of not discussing publicly the movement of nuclear weapons. “We don’t want terrorists to understand the process of how we deal with these weapons,” the military source told The Examiner. The source asked not to be identified because of the topic’s sensitivity.
The internal debate shows how security practices for handling nuclear weapons remain basically the same today as they were during the Cold War.
Asked whether Gates had wanted to release more information, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told The Examiner: “As you know, it is long-standing policy of the Defense Department not to publicly discuss nuclear weapons matters. That said, the secretary was informed about this incident, was clearly concerned and is receiving daily updates from the Air Force on their review of this matter.”
Gates has made candor one of the hallmarks of his Pentagon leadership. He has openly opposed, for example, those who advocate bombing Iran to destroy its nuclear program. He also has not hidden his unhappiness with the military’s slow approach to sending heavily armored “MRAP” vehicles to Iraq to protect soldiers and Marines.
On the nuclear issue, however, he acceded to Pentagon tradition that representatives should not confirm any information that could aid a rival power or terrorists.
The Air Force has announced an investigation into the Aug. 30 B-52 bomber flight, which was first disclosed by the Military Times newspaper. The bomber carried six nuclear-tipped air-launched cruise missiles, instead of the planned inert warheads, from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to Barksdale Air Force Base, La. The military source told The Examiner that the investigation must answer why the ground crew mistakenly selected and loaded the six live warheads.
Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell told reporters Wednesday that Gates was initially notified by Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff. “Secretary Gates has been assured by General Moseley 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,” Morrell said. |