Russian delegation tours F.E. Warren

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F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. (AFPN) --  A delegation of senior Russian military officers and experts on nuclear security visited the base April 8.

The Russians were in the United States for a meeting of the Joint Coordinating Group, the primary organization for implementing the Department of Energy's program of nonproliferation assistance with Russian armed forces.

The U.S. and Russia agreed to expand and deepen cooperation on nuclear security in February.

"The U.S. and Russia have pledged to share 'best practices' with the goal of enhancing the security of nuclear facilities in both countries and around the world," said Maj. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, 20th Air Force commander.

While here, the Russians toured several on-base facilities and observed the procedures and physical means for protecting those facilities against terrorist attacks. They also discussed the Air Force's program designed to ensure that people who work with or guard nuclear weapons meet rigorous standards for physical and mental health.

"Security ... has been and remains very capable and highly effective," General Klotz said. "However, security must be constantly reviewed and improved to stay ahead of evolving terrorist threats and tactics, and to take full advantage of the latest developments in security technology."

The visit was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. Officials from that agency and the Department of Defense accompanied the Russian delegation.