SecAF, CSAF share confidence in nuclear enterprise

by Staff Sgt. David Salanitri
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

5/10/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to testify about the service's fiscal 2014 budget request, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III also addressed Congressional concerns over media reports about the findings of a recent missile wing inspection.

The 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., received an overall, passing "Satisfactory" rating during a Consolidated Unit Inspection by Air Force Global Strike Command, March 4 to13.

Twenty-two areas were inspected during the CUI, with the missile wing earning an "Outstanding" rating in one area, "Excellent" ratings in 14 areas, and "Satisfactory" ratings in six areas. One area was rated "Marginal."

Donley said the ICBM force, which maintains a high state of readiness as part of its mission, remains a safe, secure and reliable element of the nation's nuclear triad, and what was found represents the stronger inspection process the Air Force adopted as it reinvigorated the nuclear enterprise.

"We have made substantial progress in restoring the confidence, I think, of our entire [Department of Defense] and Congressional leadership in the Air Force's management of this important responsibility," Donley said. "It is a number one responsibility for our Air Force that we take very, very seriously."

As a result of the inspection and further review, unit leaders identified proficiency shortfalls compounded by an attitude of complacency among a small number of officers.
They sent a call-for-action email to missile crew members to re-emphasize the high standards expected in the nuclear mission area. It identified areas for improvement, outlined expectations, and reinforced pride and importance of the mission.

"I believe this is the kind of commander intervention that prevents the incidents that occurred in 2007," Welsh said. "They took very aggressive action early to make sure that there was no question in the minds of their crew force that marginal behavior or satisfactory-just-above-the-line was not acceptable."

The inspection also allowed the unit commanders to assess performance of the crew members to identify individuals that require more training. The 91st Operations Group identified 17 crew members who required more training--approximately five to six from each of the three missile squadrons.

Currently, the 17 officers identified are going through what Welsh described as a retraining program that should last roughly 60 days.

Welsh made it clear that he feels the marginal findings do not present a risk to the Air Force's nuclear mission, but are a result of identifying a potential problem before it has the ability to snowball -- the exact reason the Air Force has inspections. The service uses assessments and inspections as tools for commanders to assess people, processes and performance.

"I don't believe we have a nuclear surety risk at Minot Air Force Base," Welsh said. "I believe we have commanders who are taking very aggressive action to ensure that never occurs. And in that respect, this is a good thing."

Talking about the Airmen who perform the nuclear deterrence mission, Welsh reaffirmed his confidence in them.

"Their performance is really exceptional day-to-day ... it has to be. There is no other option," he said. "And I think our commitment is that we make sure we keep that motivation as they move up through the ranks, and make sure they understand that the Air Force recognizes it."