Michael Moseley Resigns

Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force Michael Moseley resigned on June 5, 2008 after he was given the option to either resign or be fired following an investigation by the Pentagon.

The United States Secretary of Defense Robert Gates explained that the action was required after mistakes were made with the handling, safety and security of America's nuclear weapons.¹

Fast Facts

1. Date of resignation: June 5, 2008
2. Became Chief of Staff in September, 2005
3. Four cone-shaped electrical fuses for triggering nuclear warheads mistakenly shipped to Taiwan²
4. B-52 bomber with six nuclear missiles accidentally flown over the U.S the pilots unaware²
5. U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne has also been asked to resign

Robert Gates Quotes on Nuclear Issue

"Both the nuclear weapons transfer incident and the Taiwan mis-shipment, while different in specifics, have a common origin - the gradual erosion of nuclear standards and a lack of effective oversight by Air Force leadership." ¹—Robert Gates, Reuters

"A credible nuclear deterrent has been essential to our security as a nation, and it remains so today. The safety, security and reliability of our nuclear weapons and associated components are of paramount importance." ¹—Robert Gates, Reuters

Categories