Heads May Roll Following August Incident

A source close to the US Air Force investigation into the August 29 transfer of nuclear-tipped weapons by air over the United States says the service will recommend the firing and disciplining of several officers involved, according to CNN.

The source, who did not wish to be identified as not everyone involved had been told, adds criminal charges could follow.

As ANN reported, six nuclear-tipped cruise missiles were mistakenly attached to the wing of a B-52 bomber, which then flew for more than three hours from North Dakota's Minot AFB to Barksdale AFB in Louisiana -- overflying several states.

At least five Air Force service personnel will be fired over the incident, according to the source, and several more will be disciplined for failing to follow safety procedures. The USAF investigation determined the B-52 crew was unaware the missiles were live nukes, the source added.

The squadron commander in charge of handling munitions at Minot was relieved of duty shortly after the incident.

Military officials maintain there was no nuclear risk to public safety, as the warheads were not armed. The crew would also have had to follow several security procedures in order to launch the missiles.

FMI: www.af.mil