Minot missile wing commander relieved

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) --  The commander of the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., was relieved of command Oct. 14 due to loss of confidence in his ability to command.

Col. Christopher Ayres was removed by Maj. Gen. Roger W. Burg, the 20th Air Force commander. 

Colonel Ayres assumed command in May 2008. He was not relieved for any alleged misconduct or wrongdoing. Recent incidents during his command, including a vehicle rollover accident involving a payload transporter Aug. 31, 2009, contributed to the loss of confidence.

"We must uphold the highest standards within the nuclear enterprise," said Gen. C. Robert "Bob" Kehler, the commander of Air Force Space Command, who approved the decision. "We must have complete confidence in our leadership as we continue the revitalization of the nuclear enterprise."