The end?

The Air Force has reported the results of its investigation into the 'loose nukes' incident to SecDef Gates. Four colonels were relieved of duty (no generals, accountability having its limits), and 66 other airmen.

The press seems fully satisfied that public trust has been restored, and all signs are that a large, heavy rock has just been placed over the story, that's all folks, nothing more to see here, move along.

I'm not fully satisfied, as you might have guessed. A couple of points that remain unanswered:

• Could this have happened before?
• How and why did this story come out at all? Who leaked it?
  
• Apart from loading the wrong pylon, were the procedures followed here the same as were used previously for the decommissioning of the missiles?