Air Combat Command reportedly directed its fighter and bomber units to stand down yesterday and today to give the airmen time to review safety procedures in light of the recent B-52 bomber weapons misadventure. The incident prompted Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne to write a special letter to airmen, reminding them of their need for discipline on the job. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley followed Wynne’s letter with one of his CSAF’s Vectors on discipline, writing, “Loss of focus can lead to failure: failure to execute the mission in a disciplined and accountable manner.” Several lawmakers asked the Air Force for classified briefings to gain more information on the incident.
The U.S. began extensive air and artillery strikes against Islamic State group targets in Syria on Dec. 19 in retaliation for the killing of three Americans on Dec. 13 by a gunman affiliated with ISIS, U.S. officials said.
