Moseley and Wynne forced out

[CommunityEditor]

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley and Secretary Michael W. Wynne were forced to resign Thursday during hastily arranged meetings with their Pentagon bosses.

Moseley was summoned to an early morning meeting with Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss a report on the Air Force’s problems handling nuclear weapons. The report, by Navy Adm. Kirkland Donald, director of naval nuclear propulsion, convinced Defense Secretary Robert Gates that senior officials should be held accountable.

Moseley resigned in response.

Later in the morning, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England was dispatched to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, to ask for Wynne’s resignation, sources said. Wynne resigned during the meeting.

It is not clear how quickly these changes will take effect, and other senior officers could still be relieved in the wake of the Donald report.

Moseley could stay on until July or later, at Gates’ discretion.

Navy Capt. John Kirby, Mullen’s spokesman, declined to comment but did not deny the story. A Defense Department spokesman and an Air Force spokeswoman also declined to comment.

It is not yet known who will succeed Moseley and Wynne, but Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Duncan McNabb will likely become acting chief of staff.

The stunning development follows a series of high-profile scandals and disagreements between Air Force leadership and Gates in the past year, during which both the Pentagon and congressional leadership have increasingly expressed frustration about the Air Force’s top bosses.

Wynne became Air Force secretary in November 2005, and Moseley took office in September 2005. Moseley’s term expires in September 2009, and Wynne served at the pleasure of the president.

Moseley, a former fighter pilot, has been in the Air Force since 1972. Before becoming chief, he served as commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces and then as vice chief of staff from August 2003 until September 2005.

Wynne served as an Air Force officer from 1966 until 1973 and then began a nearly 30-year career in the aerospace industry. He rose to become president of General Dynamics’ space division and general manager of space launch systems at Lockheed Martin. He re-entered government service in 2001 and served four years as principal deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics before becoming Air Force secretary.

While the simultaneous removal of a service’s top civilian and uniformed leaders comes as a surprise and is unprecedented, there has been speculation for months among defense insiders that Moseley, Wynne or both could be in trouble.

The Air Force has been rocked by a series of missteps during the past year, and Moseley and Wynne’s relationships with Gates, England and members of congressional defense committees have steadily eroded.

Both men are well-liked personally, but that apparently was not enough to make up for a perceived lack of leadership.

Loren Thompson, an analyst with the Lexington Institute in Fairfax, Va., said the writing has been on the wall for several months, and that Moseley’s demeanor has changed noticeably during that time.

“It was clear the relationship between the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Air Force was deteriorating,” Thompson said. “But it wasn’t clear what that would mean for Air Force leadership. … “This [is] the final chapter in a long list of grievances between OSD and the Air Force.”

Those grievances include criticism of the Air Force’s nuclear weapons handling, two major acquisitions programs that have been stalled by protests, the service’s inability to rush more surveillance drones to the war zones, apparent conflicts of interest of current and retired senior officials related to a $50 million contract to produce a multimedia show for the Thunderbirds, and repeated clashes with Pentagon leaders over the number of F-22s the Air Force will buy and other budget issues.

The most serious blow to the credibility of the Air Force and its leadership has been a scandal spawned by the service’s accidental transfer in August of six nuclear-tipped cruise missiles from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

A B-52 from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot were supposed to transfer unarmed air-launched cruise missiles to Barksdale to be decommissioned, but munitions loaders accidentally attached nuclear-armed missiles to the pylons. The missiles were flown to Barksdale and sat unguarded on the tarmac for several hours before anyone realized what happened, some 30 hours after the mistake was made.

The 5th Bomb Wing commander, two group commanders and the 5th Munitions Squadron commander were relieved of their commands.

Moseley ordered a service-wide review of the nuclear enterprise two months after the incident, resulting in 36 recommendations for improvements. The review report was presented to the Senate Armed Services Committee, members of which were highly critical of the Air Force’s nuclear weapons handling.

The 5th Bomb Wing in late May failed its defense nuclear surety inspection, despite having months to prepare and being under close scrutiny since the incident. Inspectors found glaring deficiencies in the wing’s ability to protect its nuclear stockpile.

Then in March, it was discovered that the Air Force had accidentally shipped classified nuclear warhead fuses to Taiwan in 2006. That prompted Gates to order a military-wide inventory of nuclear weapons and components. That report was recently submitted to Gates but has not been released publicly.


Article: http://www.militarytimes.com/news/20...wynne_060508w/



Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne, left, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley resigned following a series of high-profile scandals and disagreements between Air Force leadership and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

Interesting how this administration throws their leadership away. Secretary Wynne was called on to take whippings for the failures of the Air Force and DoD leadership since he stepped into the Pentagon. He was the whipping boy for the botched tanker deal that his predecessor left behind for him to clean up and was the champion behind getting the Crusader canceled.

His loyalty to honor and duty kept him in the job when other leadership hid in the closet. He then took on the role of Secretary of the Air Force; fighting to get the right equipment to our airman, UAVs and F-22s. The push back came from those who wanted to keep the outdated equipment and continue to upgrade them with maintenance.

Shame on you Secretary Gates and Deputy Secretary England. Is this how you thank those who stood as targets for you?

[WillsPowers]

Today, after 3 years of pleading, demanding, petitioning, screaming, writing, blogging, cajoling, and threatening the impossible has happened---Both the Sec. of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff have been FIRED.

For all of you smug media types out there----you turned a blind eye and deaf ear to our pleas. You did everything you could to give Gen. Moseley and Sec. Wynne a free pass. Despite the evidence and facts, you media bastards REFUSED to print or utter anything critical of the Air Force's corrupt leadership. Were the free rides in F-16's and special invitations to parties/social affairs worth the damage to your reputations? I'm talking to you Greta Van Sustern and Bill O'Reilly. You didn't do an Allah Damned thing to help us so today is "schadenfraude" day! We gloat, you sulk.

You people know the reasons. You know about Major Jill Metzger. Now is the time to pour on the coal and once again demand an accounting. We want no less then the answer to media FOIA's for the OSI's report of investigation of the Jill Metzger case. The Air Force is not a transparent institution and has the worst Freedom of Information Act response record of any Federal dept. And that's according to the Federal Government itself!! That case is costing us hundreds of millions of tax $$ and has destroyed the morale and reputation of the US Air Force.

Sec. Gates for the last 2 months has been sending signals that he's not happy with the Dept of the AF. Senator John McCain, to his credit has been after the Air Force leadership for years. He was instrumental in getting Darleen Dreydon convicted for accepting bribes. He now gets my vote for that and other reasons. I fully expect to hear a statement from Senator McCain regarding this wonderful news of the firings. Time to clean house Dr. Gates--Time to look at possible obstruction of justice charges against the jerks who protected Major Metzger. You know, OSI commander Brig. Gen. Dana Simmons, Gen. Moseley and General North.

The Air Force couldn't even write a truthful and complete objective investigative report about the loss of nuclear weapons and the nuke triggering components sent to China. They had to bring in a Navy Admiral to get to the bottom of it. The Admiral's report points the finger right to the top of the food chain----Moseley and Wynne!

Yes, finally today Dr. Gates took action. And the Congress and Americans applaude and fully approve of that action. Ironically, Gen. Moseley and all the rest of the Air Force Generals were all at Wright Patterson AFB today for the annual Air Force Flag Officer "Corona" leadership meeting when the phone call came for Gen. Moseley to report back to Washington to report to Dr. Gates. I would love to be a fly on the wall tommorow when all of the Air Force Generals assemble at the leadership conference without Chrome-Dome "integrity first" Moseley there! I bet you will be able to hear a pin hit the floor. The mood will be somber. There will be no smiles in there tommorow morning.

Good!

God Bless America, today is a Great Day!!

[Wingman Leader Warrior]

Wow...somebody needs a hobby.

[Wingman Leader Warrior]

Oh by the way...the Air Force didn't bring in Navy Admiral...that's what the government does when they want to maximize objectivity in investigations...so that kinda destroys that paragraph.

I missed the polls...when did "the Americans and Congress" chime in with their view of the action? Hmmm...lots of holes here...

Dragging feet on FOIA...that sometimes protects the life of my fellow Airman, Soldier and Marine. Of course, since the Air Force did it with Metzger case, I'm sure every time is just for reasons of PURE EVIL...

Your own ill will toward the entire leadership of the Air Force as indicated in the final paragraph is disturbing. You say God Bless America...but your statements aren't those of an honorable American. You cast blame upon all Airmen for the apparent failings of a few. You dishonor the men and women of the Air Force and by association the Armed Services for your misplaced anger. I hope you are not a leader in my military...I hope you are not in my military. Your poor focus of negativity would infect and destroy the morale in any unit.

I pray that you truly know the facts...not just those you chose to read and hear.

I

Originally Posted by WillsPowers

He was instrumental in getting Darleen Dreydon convicted for accepting bribes.

Her name is Darlene Druyun

Originally Posted by WillsPowers

The Air Force couldn't even write a truthful and complete objective investigative report about the loss of nuclear weapons and the nuke triggering components sent to China.

It wasn't shipped to China

They had to bring in a Navy Admiral to get to the bottom of it. The Admiral's report points the finger right to the top of the food chain----Moseley and Wynne!

Originally Posted by WillsPowers

Yes, finally today Dr. Gates took action. And the Congress and Americans applaude and fully approve of that action.

You speak on behalf of all Americans. I doubt that :-(



Are you one of the reporters? I ask because you write like one. Your facts are not straight.
It really sounds like your issue with this whole thing goes deeper than what's written. Have you ever attended a meeting with Wynne and Moseley where these issues were discussed? Have you ever had an up-close and personal ringside seat at the battlefield known as the Pentagon? Have you ever been inside the opponent's room and listen to the cut deals on how they'll get rid of an opponent for not going along with the agenda?

It would be good to kno exactly what you're writing about before you blast it out to the world.

It is about time someone started to clean up the mess in the AF and I say now is the time. there is nothing wrong with some fighter jocks and there is nothing wrong with transport pilots either. to be honst I would like to see an A-10 guys get the nod to be the new CSAF. They at least have seen the enmy up close and personal.

I would highly recommend however that we go outside the pilot community all together. There good number of support officers who know more how to run the AF than any pilot who never commands anything or lead Airmen until they become Majors or in some cases LtCols.

Lets think outside the box here and actually solve some of the numerous problems facing the AF.

"My mission is to fly, fight and win"? No our mission is to WIN, Fight and if we fly soing it then okay, but WIN!

Originally Posted by Wingman Leader Warrior

Oh by the way...the Air Force didn't bring in Navy Admiral...that's what the government does when they want to maximize objectivity in investigations...so that kinda destroys that paragraph.

I missed the polls...when did "the Americans and Congress" chime in with their view of the action? Hmmm...lots of holes here...

Dragging feet on FOIA...that sometimes protects the life of my fellow Airman, Soldier and Marine. Of course, since the Air Force did it with Metzger case, I'm sure every time is just for reasons of PURE EVIL...

Your own ill will toward the entire leadership of the Air Force as indicated in the final paragraph is disturbing. You say God Bless America...but your statements aren't those of an honorable American. You cast blame upon all Airmen for the apparent failings of a few. You dishonor the men and women of the Air Force and by association the Armed Services for your misplaced anger. I hope you are not a leader in my military...I hope you are not in my military. Your poor focus of negativity would infect and destroy the morale in any unit.

I pray that you truly know the facts...not just those you chose to read and hear.

I

Wingman,

You've said it better than anyone could have written. This guy's facts aren't straight at all. Kudos for standing up for the Air Force

Have you ever had an up-close and personal ringside seat at the battlefield known as the Pentagon? Have you ever been inside the opponent's room and listen to the cut deals on how they'll get rid of an opponent for not going along with the agenda?

It would be good to kno exactly what you're writing about before you blast it out to the world.[/quote]


I am sad to read that you appear to believe that Senior Leaders should get a pass and role over merely because "they'll get rid of an opponent for not going along with the agenda...". This is what are country has succumbed to. People pleasers, etc. FYI-When you take the Oath of Enlistment or Oath for Commissioned Officers maybe you should pay attention to what it is you are pledging your oath to! I have attached the paragraphs I am referencing...Please show me in the text the provision, which allows cowardice? And did you really call the Pentagon a battlefield? That is so disrespectful considering the soldiers, sailors, marines, and Airman the Pentagon sends into harms way, many of which never return. Unfortunately, your comments are representative of many. Even some veterans. Read and heed!

"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;

I, (Full Name) having been appointed a (Rank) in the United States Air Force, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, SO HELP ME GOD.

Support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Simple. Everyday you put on the uniform remember that. Don’t feel obligated to support and defend your boss or some policy if it is not within the scope of what you have been charged to do when you took the oath...POLITICS SHOULD NEVER TRUMP POLICY! What would our forefathers think?

Above All - You have to be kidding me, unless you are talking about self gain and it's importance...

As written by Brian Friel of GovExec-

It is worth reminding yourself every day what you swore to support and defend. You did not promise allegiance to your immediate boss or your political overseers, or even to the citizens whom you serve. You swore an oath to the Constitution. Or, put another way, to the rule of law. Pledging fealty to one's boss would be a much simpler promise. A boss is tangible, someone you can see and hear. Some federal workers at the Veterans Affairs Department, Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration and similar agencies answer to citizens throughout the course of the day, but many others never come in contact with the American public whom they serve. Still, the desires and interests of the people can be easily discerned.
The Constitution, like the truth, is intangible. And it is subject to interpretation. Constitutional scholars have for two centuries wrapped themselves up in ceaseless debates over the meanings of its articles and clauses.
It is thus easy to forget on a day-to-day basis that you took an oath to support and defend the Constitution. The competing demands of your boss, your executive branch supervisors, your legislative overseers and groups of citizens with varying interests can't be ignored, and they can easily cloud your vision.
It's unlikely that you'll wander by the oath of office, welded in gold lettering, each morning. And it's unnecessary to commit the Constitution to memory. But every once in a while, remind yourself that you are not just another worker with a regular old job; you are not there to serve the whims of those around you. You have committed to upholding the rule of law, or at least, in an imperfect world, pursuing its advancement steadily.
(End)

As for living a life in fear of reprisal...Well, don't Senior Leaders know about Federal WhistleBlowers Protection, DoD IG, etc.? Maybe since they choose not to use them we should all consider the system itself a joke...