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US Defense Secretary: important to maintain nuclear deterrent AFP Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Monday the importance of the US nuclear arsenal was likely to grow in importance in coming years as Russia moves to strengthen its nuclear forces. Gates said he made the comment in a closed door question-and-answer session with rank-and-file airmen in explaining his decision to replace the air force leadership over two major nuclear blunders. In a speech earlier, Gates told airmen he regretted having to remove General T. Michael Moseley as chief of staff and Michael Wynne as air force secretary. "But there is no room for error in this mission. Nor is there, unfortunately, any room for second chances -- especially when serious questions about the safety and security of our nuclear arsenal have been raised in the minds of the American people and international partners," he said. "When systemic problems are found, I believe that accountability must reached beyond NCOs and even colonels," he said. Reporters were made to leave the room when Gates opened the floor to questions from the airmen at this headquarters for US air combat forces.
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