Safety is key to nuclear surety

Col. George Farfour, 90th Missile Wing vice commander

The United States has kept nuclear weapons of varying lethality continuously in its arsenal for more than 65 years. As time progressed and the number of weapons increased, the need to prevent accidents and maintain safety also grew, ultimately evolving into the present Air Force Nuclear Weapons Surety Program. The program ensures our nuclear weapons are operated and maintained safely, securely and effectively. This constant vigilance is our assurance to the American people that unauthorized or accidental launching, arming, pre-arming, releasing or detonating of a nuclear weapon will not occur.

The power of nuclear weapons has been used in only one war. Since those fateful days in August 1945, the world has enjoyed a span of peace among major powers unheard of in history. This peace, however, has not always been the result of good will and mutual concern. Along with the power to destroy, nuclear weapons have also proven to have the deterrent value to save the world from war. Even with arms reduction treaties, the need for a modern, credible, secure, and safely deployed nuclear deterrent force is of monumental importance to national defense.

It is one of the truisms of our calling as military personnel that we hold a sacred trust for and with the American people. Historically and right up until today, polls have shown the military is the most trusted institution in America. Indeed, we are entrusted with the lives of our Nation’s sons and daughters. Here at the 90th Missile Wing, we combine the trust of those lives with nuclear weapons -- there is no greater responsibility in the military. The manner in which we exercise that responsibility is the core of our commitment to our chosen profession.

The nation has invested in us -- from safely operating our equipment to our personal activities; YES, being available for duty is part of that sacred trust. Readiness is our mission. We must always be ready--the cornerstone that readiness is safety from the weapons we are entrusted with to our personal lives. Across the spectrum of conflict, readiness extends from everything we do to every choice we make on and off duty.

While it may seem odd to think of weapons of war and safety issues in the same light, there are few other areas which, if separated, could have such catastrophic ramifications in terms of destruction and loss of public trust and support. Thus, you, the men and women whose continued vigilance keeps nuclear weapons safe, are contributing to deterrence by keeping the peace!