The Air Force notifies Defense Secretary Robert Gates about the mistaken transport of six nuclear-equipped cruise missiles from Minot AFB, N.D., to Barksdale AFB, La., aboard a Barksdale B-52 bomber. The Air Force began immediate investigations and, at an unprecedented news briefing on Oct. 19, acknowledged publicly that the Incident Involved nuclear weapons, terming it a Bent Spear.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
