The US military command responsible for the nation's nuclear weapons tweeted a New Years message yesterday: It is always ready to "drop something much, much bigger" than Manhattan's iconic Time Square ball.
The post and accompanying video went live as the US readied to ring in the New Year by watching the famous New York City ball descend last night.
The US Strategic Command has since deleted and apologised for the tweet.
"We admittedly erred in connecting it to New Year's Eve festivities, and we apologise," said Meghan Liemburg-Archer, a US Strategic Command spokeswoman. "We remain dedicated to the security of America and our allies."
"#TimesSquare tradition rings in the #NewYear by dropping the big ball ... if ever needed, we are #ready to drop something much, much bigger," the original post read. "Watch to the end! @AFGlobalStrike @Whiteman_AFB #Deterrence #Assurance #CombatReadyForce #PeacelsOurProfession"