Air Force major command allegedly stops using Sig Sauer's M18 following death of airman
Moreover, the memo notes that AFGSC is actively collaborating with Air Force Security Forces Center to 'conduct a comprehensive review.' It specifies that these actions are in response to a 'recent incident' at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming.
That same day, 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs at Warren published a release confirming the death of a 90th Security Forces Squadron airman while on duty on July 20.
'We are deeply saddened by the loss of a valued member of our Mighty Ninety team,' said Col. Terry Holmes, 90th Missile Wing commander, in the release. 'Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the Airman's family, friends, and his fellow Defenders during this incredibly difficult time.'
Reports from airmen at Warren say a Security Forces airman removed his issued Safariland holster from his leg mount with the M18 still inside, and placed it on a table. Those same reports allege that the M18 fired while holstered and struck the airman in the chest and that the unidentified airman did not survive the wound. A person familiar with the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed that the incident took place in a secure nuclear weapons facility inside Warren.
The AFGSC memo requires 100% inspections of wing-assigned M18 weapon systems. Redditors then released emails stating that the U.S. Air Force Europe is reportedly considering taking similar action and replacing M18s with M9 pistols.
While, if confirmed, this would be the first reported death of a military service member, it is not the first time a Sig Sauer M18 has experienced an uncommanded discharge.
In 2023, a Marine Corps-issued M18 fired while holstered at Camp Foster, Japan. A subsequent investigation concluded that the M18 was not mishandled, and the investigator recommended that an engineering review of the pistol be performed.
Outside of the military, the M18 and the Sig Sauer P320 from which it is derived have come under scrutiny from law enforcement agencies. Multiple departments, including the Chicago Police Department, have banned the P320 for their officers. At the federal level, the Department of Homeland Security banned the P320 for use by ICE agents, and an FBI report found instances of a Minnesota State Police M18 firing without the trigger being pulled.
We Are The Mighty reached out to the 90th Missile Wing and Sig Sauer for further comment. Jason Wright, Sig Sauer's Vice-President of Marketing, provided the following response:
'Our hearts are with the service members and families impacted by the recently reported event at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base. We have offered our assistance to the U.S. Military and the U.S. Air Force as they investigate the incident and remain willing to help in furtherance of their ongoing investigation.'
The 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs Office was unable to provide details beyond the July 21st press release due to the ongoing investigation into the airman's death. However, they did note that a follow-up press release is in progress and will be sent out as soon as possible.
Editor's Note: This story was updated to include a response from Sig Sauer and the 90th Missile Wing.
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