Pesky Insect Cited in Air Force Firing

Oct. 14, 2009 — -- A pesky insect may be partly to blame for an Air Force colonel losing his job today.

A missile wing commander at North Dakota's Minot Air Force Base was relieved of command for a loss of confidence in his command abilities following a series of recent incidents that included the rollover of a semi-trailer carrying missile parts, an accident caused when the driver tried to swat away a large insect that had landed on his back.

In a statement, Air Force Space Command said Col. Christopher Ayres was not being relieved of his command of the base's 91st Missile Wing for "any alleged misconduct or wrongdoing," but for "recent incidents during his command."

According to Andy Roake, a spokesman for Air Force Space Command, the recent incidents at the base included vehicle rollovers, some instances of misconduct and the wing's negative performance during a nuclear surety inspection.

The command's action, he said, "was the result of various events that caused a loss of confidence in his ability to effectively command."

The Associated Press attempted to reach Ayres at Minot Air Force Base but reported it was unsuccessful.

Two other officers also were relieved of their duties overseeing the wing's maintenance units.

"We must uphold the highest standards within the nuclear enterprise," said Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of Air Force Space Command, in announcing the action against Col. Ayres. "We must have complete confidence in our leadership as we continue the revitalization of the nuclear enterprise."