Maj. Gen. Michael Carey, a top general in charge of the U.S. Air Force's arsenal of nuclear ballistic missiles have been relieved of his command due to loss of trust, defense officials told NBC News, as reported by The Associated Press.
The officials would not describe the grounds for his dismissal, but an official did say that it "the allegations are not related to operational readiness, inspection results, nor do they involve sexual misconduct." The AP also reported.
"20th AF continues to execute its mission of around-the-clock nuclear deterrence in a safe, secure and effective manner. It's unfortunate that I've had to relieve an officer who's had an otherwise distinctive career spanning 35 years of commendable service," said James Kowalski, the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command.
Kowalski made the decision based on details from an inspector general probe looking into Carey's behavior on a "temporary duty assignment."
"It's a job that demands great trust and responsibility , and personal behavior is vital to that," a senior Air Force official added.
Carey had been promoted to major general in November 2011, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Carey is the second top-ranking commander with authority over nuclear weapons to be fired in a week. Navy Vice Adm. Tim Giardina was demoted to a 2-star rank and relieved of his post because of a gambling investigation, The AP also reported.
