ACK! Nuclear Warheads Fly Over U.S.

B52 mistakenly flies over US with nuclear warheads

From correspondents in Washington
September 06, 2007 02:45am
Article from: Reuters

A US bomber mistakenly flew with nuclear warheads over the United States last week, but the US Air Force says the flight was not a threat to public safety.

The Air Force has started an investigation into the incident and a review of all operational procedures.

“All evidence we have seen so far points to an isolated mistake,” Lt Col Edward Thomas, an Air Force spokesman, said.

“It is important to note that munitions were safe, secure and under military control at all times. The error was discovered by airmen during internal Air Force checks. The weapons were safe and remained in Air Force control and custody at all times,” Col. Thomas said.

The US military maintains a policy against discussing any nuclear weapons matters, and Thomas did not confirm the weapons aboard the B-52 were nuclear.

But one defence official confirmed the missiles were nuclear.

The B-52 flew from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana on Thursday.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22371635-2,00.html#