Air Force Global Strike Command boss Lt. Gen. James Kowalski has relieved Maj. Gen. Michael Carey of duty as 20th Air Force commander “due to a loss of trust and confidence in his leadership and judgment,” announced the command on Friday. The numbered air force, headquartered at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., oversees the Air Force’s three Minuteman III ICBM wings, which constitute one leg of the nation’s nuclear triad. Kowalski said he based his decision on information that came to light in an inspector general’s investigation into Carey’s behavior during a temporary duty assignment. “It’s unfortunate that I’ve had to relieve an officer who’s had an otherwise distinctive career spanning 35 years of commendable service,” said Kowalski. He added, “20th AF continues to execute its mission of around-the-clock nuclear deterrence in a safe, secure, and effective manner.” AFGSC’s release doesn’t offer additional details on the allegations, other than they were “not related to operational readiness or the inspection results of any 20th AF unit, nor do they involve sexual misconduct.” Maj. Gen. Jack Weinstein, AFGSC vice commander, will serve as 20th AF’s interim commander.
The U.S. thwarted a drone attack on U.S. forces at Al Asad air base in western Iraq on April 22, marking the first time that American troops have been targeted since February, U.S. officials said. “We can confirm it was an attack on Al Asad,” a defense official told Air & Space…