In a comparison of nuclear weapons security measures taken by Energy and Defense, the Government Accountability Office found DOD lacking in several respects, according to a new GAO report. DOD partially concurred with several findings, such as the need to ensure services consider alternatives and cost-benefit analyses when implementing nuclear security measures and a need for more specific guidance for local commander to develop threat assessments. GAO believes the Air Force and Navy should provide local commanders with better intelligence collection and assessment capabilities; DOD said it first needs to conduct a “comprehensive study” to determine any capability gaps. GAO also said that USAF needed to centrally manage and track funding for nuclear weapon security; DOD concurred.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach told lawmakers Apr. 30 that the service’s biggest airlifter, the C-5 Galaxy, has a 37 percent mission capable rate—one of several challenges facing the mobility fleet.