COMMANDER OF AIR FORCE ICBM FORCE RELIEVED OF DUTY

Maj. Gen. Michael Carey, the commander in charge of the Air Force’s intercontinental ballistic missiles, was relieved of his command late last week because of a “loss of trust and confidence in his leadership and judgment,” Air Force Global Strike Command said in a statement. Carey, a 35-year veteran of the Air Force, was removed from his position by Lt. Gen. James Kowalski, the commander of Global Strike Command, in the wake of an Inspector General investigation into Carey’s behavior on a temporary duty assignment. Carey headed up the 20th Air Force at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming and was responsible for the nation’s three ICBM wings. “20th AF continues to execute its mission of around-the-clock nuclear deterrence in a safe, secure and effective manner,” Kowalski said. “It’s unfortunate that I’ve had to relieve an officer who’s had an otherwise distinctive career spanning 35 years of commendable service.” Global Strike Command deputy chief Maj. Gen. Jack Weinstein will serve as the interim commander of the 20th Air Force.