New Commander Named for Troubled U.S. Nuclear Unit

The U.S. Air Force has named a new commanding officer to lead the strategic bomber wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., where six nuclear weapons were mishandled in August, the Associated Press reported yesterday (see GSN, Oct. 22).

Col. Joel Westa is set to take command later this month, replacing Col. Bruce Emig, who was relieved of the job following the incident in which the nuclear-armed cruise missiles were improperly secured for at least 36 hours.

Col. Paul Bell retained his post as vice commander of the Minot base.

“Although we’re disappointed in ourselves, we are committed to pressing forward and demonstrating that we are capable of performing all of our missions in a professional manner,” Bell said.

The bomber wing has been “decertified from its wartime mission,” according to an Air Force statement, and about 65 Air Force personnel have been disciplined (James MacPherson, Associated Press/Air Force Times, Oct. 23).

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