HAGEL PHONES AIRMEN MANNING NUCLEAR LAUNCH CENTERS

Airmen manning Minuteman 3 missile launch centers at Malmstrom Air Force Base got unexpected phone calls Saturday: from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. According to the Associated Press, Hagel made calls to nuclear officers in three separate launch centers while aboard a military plane on his way home from the Munich Security Conference in Germany. In total, he spoke to six airmen and provided an update on ongoing work to address morale among the Air Force’s nuclear mission. The Air Force’s nuclear mission has taken several major hits over the last year, including revelations that at least 92 airmen at Malmstrom were involved in cheating on a nuclear proficiency exam. Citing a Pentagon official who briefed reporters on Hagel’s calls, the Associated Press said the airmen were “generally positive in their outlook but also cited strains and stresses.” The Associated Press also said Hagel also “thanked the officers for taking on the extra shifts required while more than 90 of the colleagues are suspended in the cheating probe” and “expressed confidence in their ability to execute the mission.”