AF leaders to host nuclear summit

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WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  Acting Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Norton A. Schwartz will host a nuclear summit Sept. 18 at Bolling AFB, D.C. 

Discussions will center on structure, process and cultural issues vital to improving Air Force stewardship of its nuclear enterprise, which were mentioned in the recently released Report of the Secretary of Defense Task Force on DOD Nuclear Weapons Management, known as the Schlesinger report, and identified in other internal and external reviews of the Air Force's nuclear enterprise. 

Key internal Air Force leaders, representatives from the office of the secretary of defense, and interagency mission partners have been invited to attend. Reinvigorating the nuclear enterprise has been a top priority for the Air Force's top two leaders since they assumed their positions this summer. 

"This is a moment for the Air Force to take comprehensive stock of where we are, for us to understand the way ahead so that we're set up for success...and then we ensure that everybody's moving out and on a common path," said Maj. Gen. C. Donald Alston, head of the Air Force Nuclear Task Force and director of Air Force nuclear operations, plans and requirements at the Pentagon. 

General Alston's position was created in February to improve management focus on the air staff by dedicating a general officer to performing exclusively nuclear-related duties. 

Secretary Donley created the Air Force Nuclear Task Force to develop a strategic roadmap for rebuilding the nuclear enterprise. The roadmap will address the cultural, systemic, and institutional challenges identified in the internal and external reviews of the Air Force nuclear enterprise. The task force consists of about 30 subject-matter experts from all facets of Air Force nuclear enterprise and related specialties.

Key decision areas discussed at the summit and at Corona are integral to completing the Nuclear Enterprise Roadmap, which will serve as a comprehensive strategic direction for the Air Force.

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