The last of VX nerve agent munitions stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot was destroyed in April. Two Madison County citizen advisory panels celebrated that milestone Wednesday. With the completion of the VX disposal campaign, it also meant ridding the entire U.S. of this type of chemical weapon. Kingston Reif is deputy assistant secretary of defense for threat reduction and arms control. Reif said the elimination of VX makes the world safer because completion of the mission is vital for U.S. credibility and U.S. diplomatic leadership.
“And it’s especially important now as a demonstration of how the United States lives up to its commitments at a time when other countries such as Russia are clearly demonstrating that they do not live up to their commitments,” said Reif.
A celebration of sorts took place in Eastern Kentucky University’s Perkins Building. With the completion of the VX campaign at the central Kentucky Army installation, it also signaled the end of the VX chemical weapons stockpile worldwide. Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe said many in his community may not feel directly affected.
“Some will just say ‘Oh really…because when things don’t directly impact your day. Not directly. You know, I see in the news ‘oh there was a leaker..let’s eat dinner. That kind of attitude. It didn’t affect me,” said Blythe.
Blythe says word of a larger release would carry a much more immediate reaction. Four of five chemical weapons disposal campaigns have now been completed at the Blue Grass Army Depot. Still remaining is the destruction of GB sarin rockets. That’s slated to begin in about a month.
