“Top to bottom” review of nuclear stewardship under way

MINOT (AP) — Defense Secretary Robert Gates, hours after being named President-elect Barack Obama’s choice to stay on the job, told Air Force membes  at the Minot Air Force Base that last year’s lapses in nuclear weapons procedures were unacceptable and the department is doing a “top to bottom’” review of its nuclear stewardship.

Hundreds of airmen packed into a B-52 hangar at the base today to listen to Gates, who thanked them and told them their mission is vital.

The Minot base drew attention last year when nuclear cruise missiles were mistakenly loaded onto a B-52 bomber and flown to Louisiana. The incident was cited by Gates as one factor leading to the ouster of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley and Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne

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