A commander at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota was relieved of his duties following the loss of dangerous weapons and equipment, including ammunition for a grenade launcher that went missing on the
Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.
The ammunition was in a container that fell off a Humvee on the reservation on May 1, The Associated Press reported. But it looks like the tribe wasn't told about the incident until May 10, according to The Bismarck Tribune.
“Being a veteran myself, I fully understand that accidents happen at any level,” Chairman Mark Fox told the paper on May 14. “But my hopes and prayers are that it is found soon somehow, to avoid any possible injury or tragedy.”
The U.S. Air Force has been offering a $5,000 reward for the lost munitions. But an official search was called off right after the tribe was told, The Tribune reported.
That wasn't the only bad news, though. A machine gun was reported missing on the base on May 16, according to a
press release.
Both incidents resulted in the ouster of Col. Colin Connor of the 91st Missile Wing
"due to a loss of trust and confidence after a series of events under the scope of his leadership, including a recent loss of ammunition and weapons," another
press release stated.
According to news reports, the grenade launcher ammunition went missing while the Humvee was traveling on rough roads near Parshall, on the northern border of the
Fort Berthold Reservation. The Minot Air Force Base is about 76 miles away
Read More on the Story:
After loss of grenades and machine gun, Minot security forces group commander fired
(The Air Force Times May 23, 2018)
Minot Air Force Base security commander ousted over lost gun, ammo
(The Associated Press May 23, 2018)
Military Offers $5,000 Reward For Lost Ammunition Container Near Parshall
(KVRR May 15, 2018)
Lost Air Force explosives still missing in northwest N.D.
(The Bismarck Tribune May 14, 2018)
Air Force looking for explosives lost in North Dakota
(The Associated Press May 13, 2018)
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