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December

• Los Alamos, New Mexico: Then and Now VOA 30 Dec 2008 -- What happens when you build a town in secret for one purpose - to build a bomb that could end a war? And what happens when the war is over? It is not always what you would expect. Just visit Los Alamos, New Mexico, the town where the atomic bomb was developed.
• Army destroys last VX nerve-agent munitions Army News 29 Dec 2008 -- The U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency marked the elimination of the last VX nerve-agent munitions from its stockpiles Dec. 24 with destruction of the last land mine containing VX at the Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility in Anniston, Ala.
• U.S. President-elect Obama plans talks with Russia on START RIA Novosti 20 Dec 2008 -- U.S. President-elect Barack Obama plans to resume talks on strategic arms reductions with Russia but negotiations will be difficult as two countries do not trust each other, a U.S. congresswoman said.
• Nuclear surety inspection completed at 90th Space Wing AFNS 19 Dec 2008 -- The nuclear surety inspection that wrapped up at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Dec. 17, identified some deficiencies for the 90th Space Wing that require corrective action and resulted in an overall unsatisfactory rating for the wing.
• U.S. delegation to visit Moscow for strategic security talks RIA Novosti 13 Dec 2008 -- A U.S. delegation will visit Moscow next week for talks on missile defense in Europe, arms reduction and other strategic security issues, the State Department said.
• Air Force leaders chair first nuclear oversight board AFNS 12 Dec 2008 -- Air Force leaders gathered to discuss efforts related to reinvigorating the service's nuclear enterprise Dec. 10 at the Pentagon.
• US Nears Nuclear Accord With Gulf Emirates VOA 12 Dec 2008 -- The State Department said Friday the United States is close to concluding a nuclear cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates, the UAE.
• U.S. may offer Israel 'nuclear umbrella' against Iran - paper RIA Novosti 11 Dec 2008 -- New US administration will provide Israel with deterrent guarantees in case of Iran attack, an Israeli newspaper said.
• Nuclear weapons decision awaits Obama IRNA 10 Dec 2008 -- One of the most important national security decisions facing President-elect Barack Obama will unfold in this remote valley of aging factories, where workers enriched uranium for the first atomic bomb of World War II, USA Today said
• General Dynamics Awarded $52 Million Engineering and Support Contract for TRIDENT Ballistic Missile Systems General Dynamics 04 Dec 2008 -- The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems a $52 million contract modification to provide operational support; field engineering, repair and return services; training; and system development for the U.S. and U.K. TRIDENT II (D5) Fire Control System (FCS).
• US Commission Warns of Possible WMD Attack VOA 03 Dec 2008 -- A congressionally-mandated U.S. commission has released a report warning of a possible nuclear or biological attack somewhere in the world within five years.
• Nuclear Mission Vital to U.S. Security, Gates Tells Minot Airmen AFPS 01 Dec 2008 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates traveled here today to emphasize the importance of the Air Force’s nuclear mission -- and in maintaining its long tradition of excellence -- to the men and women entrusted with carrying it out.
• Boeing to Study ICBM Communications Security Enhancements Boeing 01 Dec 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has received a $3.7 million contract from Northrop Grumman Corp. to evaluate enhancements to communications security and replacements for data-storage media for the U.S. Air Force's Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) system. This contract is the second phase of risk-reduction work being done in advance of a major ICBM modification program planned for 2010.

November

• Future of START-One Treaty Key Challenge for Obama Administration VOA 26 Nov 2008 -- One of the key challenges facing the Obama administration in its relations with Russia is what to do with the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty known as START-One which expires in December 2009.
• Barksdale officials complete Nuclear Surety Inspection AFNS 19 Nov 2008 -- Officials of the 2nd Bomb Wing here completed the first no-notice Nuclear Surety Inspection in mid-November, the first inspection without prior warning conducted in more than 15 years according to Air Combat Command officials.
• Germany stockpiled hundreds of atomic weapons: report IRNA 16 Nov 2008- Germany stockpiled around 700 atomic bombs which the US had provided to Germany, the online site of the Munich-based weekly Focus news magazine quoted German historian Detlef Bald as saying Sunday
• Russia, U.S. to hold talks on new START treaty by end of 2008 RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2008 -- Russia and the United States are planning to hold the next round of talks on replacing the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty by the end of the year, a Russian deputy foreign minister said on Friday.
• US Makes New Proposals to Russia on Missile Defense, Strategic Arms VOA 06 Nov 2008 -- The State Department's top arms control official says the United States has made new proposals to Moscow aimed at easing Russian concern about the planned U.S. missile defense system in central Europe.
• Russia, U.S. may sign new START treaty in mid-2009 RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2008 -- With the election of a new Democratic president in the U.S., Washington and Moscow may sign a new strategic arms reduction deal as early as the summer of next year, a Russian analyst said on Thursday.
• HQ-level office created for nuclear mission AFNS 03 Nov 2008 -- Air Force leaders have created a new Air Staff directorate that began operations Nov. 1 to strengthen the focus on the nuclear enterprise.

October

• Air Force ‘Moving in Right Direction’ on Nuclear Program, Gates Says AFPS 29 Oct 2008 -- SecDef Gates: Broad initiatives within the USAF helping to return its nuclear mission to “the standards of excellence.”
• Gates calls for modernization of US nuclear arms IRNA 29 Oct 2008 -- SecDef Gates: Unless the US modernizes inventory of nuclear weapons, the atomic arsenal's long-term safety and reliability will deteriorate.
• Gates Wants New Generation of US Nuclear Weapons VOA 28 Oct 2008 -- US SecDef Gates: Development of a new generation of nuclear weapons to deter potential adversaries, including rogue states and terrorists.
• Gates: Oversight, Modernization Critical to U.S. Nuclear Deterrent AFPS 28 Oct 2008 -- SecDef Gates: As long as others who could potentially threaten the United States possess or seek nuclear weapons, it’s critical that the United States does as well.
• US Says Curbing Iran's Nuclear Program in Moscow's Interest VOA 27 Oct 2008 -- The US State Department said that working to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions is in Russia's own interest and not a favor to Washington.
• Air Force to Establish New Nuclear Major Command AFPS 24 Oct 2008 -- The Air Force will stand up a new major command specifically to manage its nuclear assets.
• US Air Force Creates Global Strike Command for Nuclear Weapons VOA 24 Oct 2008 -- The US Air Force announced plans to put American nuclear-armed bombers and land-based missiles under new command.
• Air Force Nuclear Enterprise Roadmap report calls for new command, headquarters agency AFPN 24 Oct 2008 -- Establishment of Global Strike Command and a Headquarters Air Force staff agency to handle Air Force nuclear assets some of the recommendations found in the Nuclear Enterprise Roadmap.
• Iranian Cleric Alleges US Nuclear Blast In First Gulf War VOA 24 Oct 2008 -- A senior Iranian cleric has raised allegations the US used a small nuclear weapon in the first Gulf War, a charge the U.S. denies.
• ACC team effort vital to nuclear evaluation mission AFPN 23 Oct 2008 -- 3-month process, planned a year in advance, involving hundreds of man-hours of coordination with people at more than 4 Air Force bases.
• Experts in Russian Language, Culture Join Threat Reduction Agency AFPS 23 Oct 2008 -- The DoD agency tasked with securing and dismantling WMDs in the former USSR added new crop of experts.
• US Designates Iranian Bank as 'Proliferator' VOA 22 Oct 2008 -- The U.S. Treasury Department says the Export Development Bank of Iran illegally helping the Iranian government violate United Nations sanctions.
• Air Force chief of staff visits Southwest Asia AFPN 21 Oct 2008 -- The Air Force's top officer addressed manning, service priorities and success in the war on terrorism during visit to the US CENTOM AOR.
• Boeing to Supply Security Systems for Minuteman III Launch Facilities Boeing 20 Oct 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today that it will manufacture and deliver control system hardware and modification kits to improve security at more than 450 Minuteman III facilities as part of the U.S. Air Force Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Security Modernization Program.
• US, India Sign Civilian Nuclear Accord VOA 10 Oct 2008 -- The US and India Friday an accord allowing US firms to sell nuclear fuel and technology to India, reversing a 3 decade ban on such trade.
• Bush Signs India Nuclear Trade Bill VOA 8 Oct 2008 -- President Bush signed legislation that paves the way for civilian nuclear trade between the United States and India.
• Air Force senior leaders take up key decisions AFPN 7 Oct 2008 -- The nuclear enterprise, cyber organization, end strength, force shaping, and command and control just some of the topics discussed at CORONA.
• DoD Launches Web Site on Chemical-Biological Warfare Exposures AFPS 6 Oct 2008 -- The DoD launched a Web site about chemical and biological testing conducted from the early 1940s through the mid-1970s.

September

• Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Acting Secretary Donley and Gen. Schwartz from the Pentagon 26 Sep 2008 -- Presenter: Acting Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz
• STRATCOM leader charts nuclear path for American military AFPN 23 Sep 2008 -- The U.S. Strategic Command commander here recently laid out his vision for the future of America's strategic deterrence mission and the importance of nuclear stewardship.
• AF leaders to host nuclear summit AFPN 17 Sep 2008 -- 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.
• Transcript: DoD Special Briefing With Secretary Gates; James Schlesinger, Chairman, Task Force for Nuclear Weapons Management on The Task for Nuclear Weapons Management Report from the Pentagon Briefing Room, Arlington, VA 12 Sep 2008 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates
• Report detailing nuclear mission recommendations released AFPN 12 Sep 2008 -- Department of Defense officials here released a report Sept. 12 that details recommendations for the future of the Air Force nuclear mission.
• Gates Says Recommendations Will Help Air Force’s Nuclear Mission AFPS 12 Sep 2008 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today praised the “comprehensive” conclusions of a task force he set up to look into the Air Force’s management of nuclear weapons.
• Task Force Recommends New Air Force Nuclear Command AFPS 12 Sep 2008 -- A Defense Department task force has recommended the Air Force Space Command be re-designated as Air Force Strategic Command and be home to the service’s nuclear mission.
• US Air Force to Overhaul Handling of Nuclear Material VOA 12 Sep 2008 -- A special task force of the U.S. Defense Department has recommended a major overhaul of how the Air Force handles nuclear warheads and related material
• Russia calls U.S. freeze on civilian nuclear deal 'mistake' RIA Novosti 09 Sep 2008 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that a decision by the U.S. to freeze a civil nuclear agreement with Russia was a politically motivated mistake.
• U.S. freezes civilian nuclear deal with Russia over Georgia RIA Novosti 09 Sep 2008 -- U.S. President George Bush has frozen a civilian nuclear cooperation deal with Russia amid the current Georgia crisis.
• US Withdraws From Nuclear Deal with Russia VOA 08 Sep 2008 -- The United States has pulled out of an agreement with Russia for civilian nuclear cooperation
• Lockheed Martin-Led Team to Support Department of Energy Under New Hanford Mission Support Contract Lockheed Martin 03 Sep 2008 -- A team led by Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) has been selected by the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide a broad range of site services for its Hanford site, located in Richland, Wash

August

• Lockheed Martin-Built Trident Ii D5 Missile Achieves 124 Successful Test Launches In A Row Lockheed Martin 26 Aug 2008 -- The U.S. Navy conducted a successful test launch yesterday of two Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missiles (FBMs) built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT).
• Technical review improves Minuteman III nozzle builds AFPN 27 Aug 2008 -- A team of scientists and engineers at the Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, in collaboration with Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill AFB, Utah, and industry, have resolved a challenging technical issue confronting the nation's land-based Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile force.
• Missile successfully launches from Vandenberg AFPN 13 Aug 2008 -- A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile configured with a National Nuclear Security Administration, or NNSA, test assembly was launched from North Vandenberg at 1:01 a.m. Aug. 13.
• Army Completes Chemical Stockpile Neutralization at Newport Chemical Depot Army News Release 11 Aug 2008 -- The United States Army Chemical Materials Agency (CMA) completed neutralization Aug. 11 of the chemical weapons stockpile of nerve agent VX at the Newport Chemical Agent Disposal Facility (NECDF), located at Newport Chemical Depot, Ind.
• IAEA Chief: Indian Nuclear Plan on Right Track VOA 1 Aug 2008 -- The United Nations' nuclear watchdog: safeguards for nuclear cooperation deal between the United States and India meet international requirements.

July

• SAIC Awarded $26 Million Contract from Department of Defense Office for Nuclear Matters SAIC 21 Jul 2008 -- Science Applications International Corporation (NYSE: SAI) announced today that it has been awarded the Nuclear Matters Professional Services contract by the Office of the Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Matters to provide a broad range of technical and analysis services
• Russia hopes for new strategic arms deal with U.S. by yearend RIA Novosti 07 Jul 2008 -- Russia expects to reach a new nuclear arms reduction treaty with the United States by the end of the year, an aide to the president of Russia said on Sunday.
• Statement by the President on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons The White House 01 Jul 2008

June

• Lawmakers Voice Concerns on US-Russia Nuclear Deal VOA 13 Jun 2008 -- Democrats and Republicans in Congress have voiced concerns to a Bush administration arms control official about a U.S. - Russia civilian nuclear cooperation deal
• Department of Defense Announces the Members of the Task Force on Nuclear Weapons Management 12 Jun 2008 -- Today Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced the membership of the task force asked to review DoD’s nuclear weapons management
• Defense secretary: Increase focus on nuclear mission AFPN 10 Jun 2008 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates spoke candidly to Air Force Space Command members here June 10 about the resignation of top Air Force officials and problems of leadership and accountability in the control of nuclear assets.
• Gates Hammers Home Importance of Air Force Nuke Mission AFPS 10 Jun 2008 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates gave a very quick synopsis of the goals of his tenure in office here today.
• U.S./Russia: Defense Secretary Calls For Stronger Nuclear Deterrent RFE/RL 10 Jun 2008 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said Washington needs to maintain "a valid nuclear deterrent" to counter a renewed effort by Russia to bolster its own arsenal.
• Gates Says Nuclear Mission Shortcomings Caused Air Force Dismissals AFPS 09 Jun 2008 -- If it were not for the serious decline in the Air Force’s nuclear mission focus and performance, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today, he would not have felt the need to replace the Air Force leadership.
• Officials bring back missile badges, wings AFPN 06 Jun 2008 -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley announced the return of the missile badge with operations designator for intercontinental ballistic missile crews June 6
• New Task Force to Examine Nuclear Weapons, Parts Control, Accountability AFPS 05 Jun 2008 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today announced a new task force to recommend improvements needed to ensure top-level accountability and control of U.S. nuclear weapons, delivery vehicles and sensitive components.
• Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Secretary Gates from the Pentagon 05 Jun 2008 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates
• Top two Air Force leaders resign AFPN 05 Jun 2008 -- The Air Force's top civilian and uniformed leader tendered their resignations to Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates June 5.
• Resignation statement from the Air Force chief of staff AFPN 05 Jun 2008
• Resignation statement from the secretary of the Air Force AFPN 05 Jun 2008
• Top Air Force Leaders Resign Following Nuclear Component Mishandling AFPS 05 Jun 2008 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today announced the resignations of Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley following an investigation revealing a decline in the Air Force's nuclear program focus, performance and effective leadership.
• Top Two US Air Force Officials Resign VOA 05 Jun 2008 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has accepted the resignations of the Air Force's top two officials after incidents that raised questions about the security of America's nuclear weapons and related sensitive materials
• Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection conducted at Minot AFPN 02 Jun 2008 -- A Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection was conducted at the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., from May 16 to 26.

May

• Anniston Demilitarizes Last VX Projectile Army News 30 May 2008 -- All 139,581 nerve agent VX-filled artillery shells that had been stored here for decades have now been demilitarized at the Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility.
• U.S.: McCain Pledges To Work With Russia On Disarmament Issues RFE/RL 28 May 2008 -- U.S. Senator John McCain, the presumptive Republican Party presidential nominee, has said that, if elected, he will seek a closer relationship with Russia on nuclear-disarmament issues.
• Remarks By John McCain on Nuclear Security John McCain 2008 - John McCain for President 27 May 2008
• McCain Urges Stemming Spread of Nuclear Weapons VOA 27 May 2008 -- The presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Senator John McCain, spoke about the dangers of nuclear proliferation Tuesday in a speech in Denver, Colorado
• United States ratification puts nuclear pact close to entry into force – UN agency UN News Centre 23 May 2008 -- The United States’ ratification of a key nuclear pact, which seeks to create uniformity in compensation for victims of nuclear accidents, brings it within shot of entering into force, the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has announced.
• Missile successfully launches from Vandenberg AFPN 22 May 2008 -- A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile configured with a National Nuclear Security Administration, or NNSA, joint-test assembly, launched at 3:04 a.m. May 22 from Vandenberg Air Force Base.
• LOCKHEED MARTIN-BUILT TRIDENT II D5 MISSILE ACHIEVES RECORD 122 SUCCESSFUL TEST LAUNCHES IN A ROW Lockheed Martin 21 May 2008 -- The U.S. Navy conducted a successful test launch this month of two Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missiles (FBMs) built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT).
• Boeing Completes 6 Years of On-Time Minuteman III Missile Guidance Set Deliveries Boeing 15 May 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has achieved six years of consecutive on-time deliveries for the Minuteman III missile program with the recent delivery of the 593rd missile guidance set (MGS) to the U.S. Air Force.
• Air Force counter-biological warfare reaches milestone AFPN 12 May 2008 -- The Air Force counter-biological warfare concept of operations recently reached a critical milestone, achieving initial operational capability across the service.
• Russia, U.S. sign nuclear cooperation pact RIA Novosti 06 May 2008 -- Russia and the United States signed in Moscow on Tuesday an agreement on civilian nuclear cooperation.

April

• ATK Awarded Follow-On $134 Million Option for Minuteman III Propulsion Replacement Program ATK 15 Apr 2008 -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) has received a contract option worth $134 million from Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) to refurbish components and replace propellant on Minuteman III Stage 1, 2 and 3 rocket motors.
• Russia, U.S. may sign strategic arms reduction deal by end of 2009 RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2008 -- Russia and the United States could sign a new nuclear arms reduction treaty before the end of 2009, a Kremlin source said.

March

• Lockheed Martin Receives $24 Million Contract for Continued Production of ICBM Reentry System Upgrade Lockheed Martin 20 Mar 2008 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced today that it has received a $23.9 million contract modification from Northrop Grumman Corporation to provide hardware components for the next phase of full-rate production for the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Safety Enhanced Reentry Vehicle (SERV) program.
• Northrop Grumman/Air Force Complete Guidance Upgrade Installations On Minuteman III ICBMs Northrop Grumman 11 Mar 2008 -- With the installation of a modernized missile guidance set (MGS) delivered by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), the U.S. Air Force declared full operational capability on Feb. 25 for the Minuteman III inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) guidance replacement program, a major milestone in the ICBM modernization effort

February

• Bacteria research could protect Airmen from radiation AFPN 14 Feb 2008 -- An Air Force Office of Scientific Research-funded scientist has identified manganese complexes in the bacterium Deinococcus radioduran that resists the damaging effects of radiation.
• Air Force conducts nuclear policy and procedures review AFPN 12 Feb 2008 -- The Air Force's Blue Ribbon Review of its nuclear weapons policies and procedures has found that its nuclear mission is sound but needs strengthening.
• Defense Department Stocks Shelves with Newest Smallpox Vaccine AFPS 05 Feb 2008 -- The Defense Department has begun its transition to the next generation of smallpox vaccine.

January

• Russia, U.S. sign $5 bln uranium sales deal RIA Novosti 02 Feb 2008 -- Russia and the United States have signed a trade deal allowing Russia to boost enriched uranium exports to the U.S., Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom said Saturday.
• U.S. changes position on START-1 treaty - Sen. Lugar RIA Novosti 31 Jan 2008 -- The George W. Bush administration has changed its stance on the START-1 nuclear arms reduction treaty, and will agree to Russia's demands for a legally binding replacement, a Republican Senator said.
• Army Destroys Half of Chemical Stockpile Army News 09 Jan 2008 -- As of Dec. 10, the Army has safely destroyed 50 percent of the United States' chemical-agent stockpile since beginning to comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention April 29, 1997.
• 10,000th VX Rocket Eliminated at PBCDF Army News 04 Jan 2008 -- The Pine Bluff Chemical Agent Disposal Facility eliminated the 10,000th VX nerve-agent filled rocket Jan. 3.