Six generals have been smacked for their involvement in the mishandling of nuclear gear. One got a career-killing "letter of reprimand," and has "requested retirement." The other five will likely be barred from future promotion with "letters of admonishment."
The full list, after the jump.
*Lt. Gen. Kevin J. Sullivan received a letter of reprimand for not adequately addressing logistics policy deficiencies and for not taking adequate action to correct previously identified systemic issues in
ICBM logistics in his position as Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for
Logistics, Installations and Mission Support. He was also cited for not exercising effective command oversight to recognize and correct deficiencies in ICBM depot maintenance and materiel control while serving as Commander of the Ogden Air Logistics Center. General
Sullivan has requested retirement. *
Lt. Gen. Michael A. Hamel received a letter of admonishment for not effectively exercising responsibility for ICBM system sustainment matters within his authority and for not effectively acting to correct recurring deficiencies in engineering support of ICBM components while
Commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center and Air Force Program
Executive Officer for Space. General Hamel had previously requested retirement.
Maj. Gen. Roger W. Burg received a letter of admonishment for not exercising effective command oversight of ICBM sustainment-related activities and for not effectively identifying and correcting deficiencies in shipping and receiving sensitive components at ICBM
bases in his current position as Commander of Twentieth Air Force. The
Acting Secretary and the Chief of Staff have determined that General
Burg is needed to restore effective stewardship of the ICBM force, and he will remain in command to continue corrective actions he has initiated.
Maj. Gen. Kathleen D. Close received a letter of admonishment for not exercising effective command oversight of depot maintenance, engineering activities and materiel control of sensitive components, for not recognizing systemic weaknesses in supply chain management of sensitive components, and for not taking adequate action to correct previously identified materiel control and maintenance deficiencies in her current position as Commander of the Ogden Air Logistics Center.
The Acting Secretary and the Chief of Staff have determined that
General Close is needed to restore Air Force stewardship of the ICBM
force, and she will remain in command to continue corrective actions she has initiated.
Brig. Gen. Francis M. Bruno received a letter of admonishment for not exercising proper oversight to identify and correct weaknesses in logistics management and maintenance support for ICBM components and for not taking adequate action to correct previously identified deficiencies at Air Logistics Centers in his position as Director of
Logistics for Air Force Materiel Command. General Bruno previously requested retirement.
Brig. Gen. Arthur B. Cameron III received a letter of admonishment for not identifying and correcting deficiencies in depot maintenance operations involving sensitive components, for not ensuring proper materiel control of sensitive components when in the custody of maintenance personnel, and for not taking adequate action to correct previously identified discrepancies in materiel control and maintenance while he served as Commander of the 309th Maintenance Wing. General
Cameron was routinely reassigned at the normal end of his tour before the Acting Secretary and the Chief of Staff reviewed Admiral Donald’s report.
“We recognize the years of dedicated service these officers have given, but we cannot ignore the breaches of trust that have occurred on their watch,” Acting Secretary Donley said. In reference to the decision to retain certain officers, the Acting Secretary explained that because some officers “are important to our ongoing efforts to revitalize the nuclear enterprise, and because their ability to serve effectively has not been compromised, it is appropriate for these officers to continue to serve in leadership positions.”
