Top Official Of Sentinel Missile Upgrade In Montana Fired

News outlets nationwide have reported that the United States Air Force has removed the top official overseeing Montana's rather costly sentinel nuclear missile project.

Due to skyrocketing costs, the Pentagon is currently reviewing the project.

Sentinel missiles are located in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, and Missouri.

Leadership Change at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center

Maj. Gen. John Newberry has been the commander of the Air Force Sentinel Nuclear Program since August 2022.

News outlets have confirmed that Newberry has been removed from overseeing the Sentinel missile program after serving less than two years.

Reason For Dismissal

Air Force spokesperson Col. Charles Clegg said Newberry lost his role because he “did not follow organizational procedures.”

Impact on Existing ICBM Operations

Air Force officials have said this removal will not impact the renovation of the current Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Sentinel Program: Rising Costs and Congressional Scrutiny

The Sentinel missile program consists of developing new missiles and replacing the aging Minuteman ICBMs, which are over 50 years old.

The project costs have surged significantly and are now drawing scrutiny from Congress.

Project Delays and Real Estate Challenges

The original completion goal for the sentinel missile project was 2030; however, the project is expected to face delays.

According to officials, Northrop Grumman will remain the project contractor.

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