Gates: Cuts caused a ‘double hit’

[unhappycamper]

SecDef speaks to airmen
Says drawdown didn’t achieve intended goals


Gates: Cuts caused a ‘double hit’
By Michael Hoffman - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jun 11, 2008 6:02:58 EDT

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — Defense Secretary Robert Gates finished his three-base Air Force tour Tuesday, speaking to and taking questions from airmen at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., and Scott Air Force Base, Ill., to reassure them they have his support after Gates fired the service’s military and civilian leaders June 5.

Gates delivered the same message he expressed to airmen at Langley Air Force Base, Va., the day before, outlining his disappointment over the firings, but also saying he was left no choice after the service suffered two nuclear mishaps since last August and a servicewide investigation into its nuclear enterprise failed to get to the “root causes” of the problem.

About 500 airmen packed into Scott’s joint officer/enlisted club and cheered after Gates told them he had nominated Gen. Norton Schwartz, head of Scott-based Transportation Command, to become the new chief of staff.

“General Schwartz’s unique set of experiences and accomplishments make him the right officer at the right time to lead the Air Force,” Gates said.

Airmen at Peterson, home to Space Command, peppered the defense secretary with a wide range of questions. The press was asked to leave during the question-and-answer portion, but afterward Gates’ spokesman, Geoff Morrell, said the secretary responded to a question about the drawdown by saying he felt the Air Force has taken a “double hit” — losing valuable airmen in the personnel reductions but failing to achieve savings for fleet modernization due to skyrocketing fuel costs, war costs and other factors.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/06/airforce_gates_scott_afb_061008w/

[sam sarrha]

1. the "root of the Problem" is flying Nukes on cruse missiles to Israel..maybe..?