Power Failure Shuts Down 50 US Nuclear Missiles

Pickens writes "The Atlantic reports that a power failure at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming took 50 nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), one-ninth of the US missile stockpile, temporarily offline on Saturday. The 90th Missile Wing, headquartered there, controls 150 Minuteman IIIs. According to people briefed on what happened, a squadron of ICBMs suddenly dropped down into what's known as 'LF Down' status, meaning that the missileers in their bunkers could no longer communicate with the missiles themselves. LF Down status also means that various security protocols built into the missile delivery system, like intrusion alarms and warhead separation alarms, were offline. The cause of the failure remains unknown, although it is suspected to be a breach of underground cables deep beneath the base, according to a senior military official."

Comments

Obviously we need to get rid of them

[WillAffleckUW]

I'd recommend over Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Pakistan, and Somalia.

Win Win!

Re:This is just embarrassing.

[Anonymous Coward]

It could be a deterrent against the terrorist. It only takes one of the most powerfull weapons that the USA has ever produced to end the threat of terrorism and bring peace to the middle east. Peace by elimination of the problem. Adolf Hitler has similar plans for the USA via a long range bombers and bombing New York and Washington, lucky for us we invaded Germany before he was able to carry out such a plan. However most politicians in the US lack the will power to follow through with a declaration of total war against anything.