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Top Two Air Force Officials Ousted
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While the scathing nuclear report was the critical factor driving Gates's decision, officials acknowledged that earlier problems had also raised doubts about the effectiveness of the Air Force leadership.
The past year has seen friction between the Air Force and top Pentagon officials over matters including the service's role in the Iraq war and its preference for new, expensive F-22 fighter jets. The dispute over funding for the jets raised ire in the Bush administration because the Air Force lobbied for more jets than the White House was willing to officially request.
Senior Air Force officials have also seen their credibility slipping on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers have been challenging major acquisitions such as a tanker deal and the pursuit of advanced fighter jets. Recent revelations about inappropriate influence and command involvement in the Thunderbirds contract brought specific concerns to bear publicly.
In letters to Gates in April, Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), a member of the Armed Services Committee, singled out Moseley for his involvement in the contracting scandal and urged at least a reprimand; Moseley has said in interviews that in hindsight, his closeness to contract bidders could be viewed as inappropriate, but he has defended such relationships as critical to developing new ideas for the services.
McCaskill praised Gates yesterday. "What is refreshing . . . is that we finally hold those who are senior accountable, as we do for the subordinate ranks," she said.
Sen. Carl M. Levin (D-Mich.), chairman of the Armed Services Committee, also hailed Gates's focus on accountability, saying it had been "absent from the Office of the Secretary of Defense for too long."
Gates said former defense secretary James R. Schlesinger will head a task force to ensure the "highest levels" of control over nuclear weapons.
Gates already has candidates in mind to replace Wynne, and possible replacements for Moseley include Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, head of the U.S. Strategic Command; Gen. John D.W. Corley, chief of the Air Combat Command; and Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, head of the U.S. Transportation Command, according to senior defense officials.
White reported from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
