SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) -- The nuclear surety inspection that wrapped up at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Dec. 17, identified some deficiencies for the 90th Space Wing that require corrective action and resulted in an overall unsatisfactory rating for the wing. However, the wing remains certified to perform its strategic mission.
According to Air Force officials, in the exacting world of nuclear inspections, deficiencies do not translate to an inability to accomplish the mission or ensure the security and reliability of nuclear forces. Instead, they relate to departures from the extremely high standards that are required in this mission area.
This inspection involved more than 100 inspectors, across all inspection activities, conducting a very rigorous and comprehensive inspection. Areas evaluated during the NSI included operations, maintenance, security and support activities needed to ensure the wing is performing its mission in a safe, secure and reliable manner.
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz have made reinvigorating the nuclear enterprise their top priority. Part of reinvigorating the enterprise is re-establishing standards of performance and accountability. In this respect, finding these areas requiring corrective action are part of the fix.
With the added emphasis and focus placed on the nuclear enterprise, Secretary Donley and General Schwartz have increased the intensity, depth and rigor of all inspection activities to ensure that every aspect of a unit's mission is thoroughly examined.
The benefits of this careful examination are paramount to continued reliability and confidence in the Air Force's nuclear enterprise. There is no margin for error in nuclear operations.
