A two-star general in the U.S. Air Force responsible for nuclear missiles will be fired following an investigation into personal misbehavior, the Washington Post reported.
Officials said Maj. Gen. Michael Carey will be removed from command of the 20th Air Force, which runs three wings of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICMB) -- a total of 450 missiles at three bases throughout the country.
One official told Reuters the decision was made after "a loss of trust and confidence."
The officials remained anonymous to reporters because a public announcement had not been issued yet.
Brig. Gen. Les Kodlick, an Air Force spokesman, said Carey's investigation in still underway. He would not comment on details but said the misbehavior did not include sexual misconduct.
Lt. Gen. James Kowalski, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, decided to fire Carey. Kowalski is responsible for looking after all Air Force nuclear weapons -- including bombers.
In an email obtained by The Associated Press on Friday, the investigation into Carey began after an inspector general looked into his behavior during an unspecified "temporary duty assignment." The email also said the allegations are not connected to the operational readiness of the ICBM force or recently failed inspections of ICBM units, and emphasized that America's nuclear weapons are safe.
Following Carey's leave, Kowalski appointed the vice commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, Maj. Gen. Jack Weinstein, to temporarily replace him.
This was the second firing this week of a senior commander in the armed forces. On Wednesday, Vice Adm. Tim Giardina -- the second-in-command at U.S. Strategic Command -- was relieved of his duties following an investigation into alleged gambling issues.
