Wherever the US president goes, the nuclear “football” goes with him. Reuters provides a story about the briefcase carrying the nuclear launch codes during visits by various presidents to the Vatican. In 1987, the military aide didn’t let go of the case for a second, even to shake the Pope’s hand. It was secured to his wrist by a leather strap.
During Bush’s visit this week, Major Paul Montanus, USMC, was asked why the strap wasn’t being used:
Montanus told Reuters with a sly smile: “We have various ways of keeping track of it.”
Hmm, that sounds very interesting, high-tech, and like James Bond.
Sounds almost Hangar 18-ish.
If you know what I mean…
I suspect that it no longer takes a suitcase to carry the ‘football’ and that it was there all the time!