[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 24, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7034-S7035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RETIREMENT OF GENERAL EUGENE E. HABIGER

 Mr. KERREY. Mr. President, the country has recently lost to 
retirement its commander in chief of the United States Strategic 
Command, General Eugene E. Habiger, USAF, and his wife, Barbara. 
General Habiger has taken the United States and the U.S. Strategic 
Command into a new world environment. With the end of the Cold War, two 
rivals were uncertain how to proceed. Under General Habiger's 
leadership, the former Soviet Union and United States strategic forces 
have developed a trusting, confident understanding of the other's 
capabilities and operations.
  During his tenure, General Habiger's insightful leadership and 
visionary initiatives revolutionized the readiness and flexibility of 
the Nation's strategic deterrent force in support of the National 
Command Authorities and regional combatant commanders. He made major 
contributions to the national security of the United States by 
establishing parameters for future strategic forces; by leading a 
stable drawdown of nuclear forces; by fostering mutual understanding 
and cooperation with Russia; and by shaping the process by which the 
United States maintains the long-term safety and reliability of its 
nuclear weapons stockpile. New tools and concepts developed under 
General Habiger's leadership ensured strategic forces remained safe, 
effective, ready and responsive to changing world needs.
  As stated in a letter from General Henry H. Shelton, Chairman, Joint 
Chiefs of Staff, General Habiger ``helped Americans more fully 
appreciate the important strategic mission, improved the relationship 
with Russia, and molded future leaders who will ably take the 
USSTRATCOM mission into the 21st Century.'' From the early days as a 
student pilot at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona, to commander of the 
325th Bombardment Squadron, General Habiger was an outstanding aviator 
and leader. A command pilot with more than 5,000 flying hours, he flew 
combat missions in support of ARC LIGHT operations in Southeast Asia 
from October 1969 to April 1970. The general's varied and vast 
contributions to the nation's strategic defense and his many critical 
command positions helped secure peace through strength and make the 
U.S. Air Force the world's best.
  We also lose a tremendous supporter and friend in his wife, Barbara. 
Barbara's extraordinary voluntary contributions to the community of 
Omaha,

[[Page S7035]]

Nebraska contributed to the well being of countless military and 
civilian families in the area. As an active member of the Salvation 
Army Advisory Board, her efforts touched thousands through dollars 
raised during the Tree of Lights and Bell Ringers programs. Her work 
with the Nebraska Council for Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention and the 
Western Heritage Museum helped ensure the effectiveness and success of 
these vital organizations. The Henry Doorly Zoo benefitted from 
Barbara's volunteerism, as she led efforts to help raise nearly one 
million dollars for the care and feeding of the zoo's animals.
  General and Mrs. Habiger leave the military after a distinguished 39 
year career serving their nation. The people of the United States 
salute General and Mrs. Habiger and wish them well as they begin their 
lives after military service.

                          ____________________