U.S. Department of War Revokes Access to Classified Information for Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall
The U.S. Department of War has taken action against former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall for an unauthorized disclosure related to Air Force One's capabilities. The department revoked Kendall's access to classified information and barred him from holding sensitive positions, effective immediately. Safeguarding classified information is a crucial responsibility, and those who violate it lose access privileges and related roles.
The Pentagon spokesperson, Sean Parnell, announced the decision on Friday, without specifying the media outlet or the exact information Kendall disclosed. The move follows a recent report by The Wall Street Journal comparing the capabilities of the Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8, now serving as a presidential aircraft, with older Air Force One jets. Kendall was quoted in the report discussing the differences in capabilities between the aircraft.
Kendall's public discussions about the aircraft's retrofitting needs and his involvement in the Air Force One modernization program have drawn attention. He served as the Air Force Secretary under President Joe Biden and previously held a key position at the Pentagon during the Obama administration. Kendall's connection to the decision to use the Boeing 747-8 platform for the next generation of presidential aircraft dates back to his time as the Pentagon's acquisition chief.
The Department of War's action against Kendall underscores the importance of upholding the trust associated with classified information. Kendall's unauthorized disclosure has led to the revocation of his access to classified information and his eligibility for sensitive positions. The move serves as a reminder of the non-negotiable duty to safeguard classified information and the consequences of breaching that trust.