[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 163 (Wednesday, November 17, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S14743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  BRIGADIER GENERAL CLAY'S RETIREMENT

 Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I want to call the Senate's 
attention to the recent retirement of Air Force Brigadier General John 
L. Clay who is retiring after 28 years of dedicated service to our 
country.
  General Clay, a native of Utah, joined the Air Force following his 
graduation from the United States Air Force Academy. He has served 
honorably and professionally in a variety of research and development 
assignments encompassing armaments, missiles and space programs.
  He is renowned as a developer and manager of many space systems 
programs and currently serves as the Director of Space and Nuclear 
Deterrence in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force for 
Acquisition.
  His outstanding leadership, management expertise, and foresight have 
been the foundation for the success of major ICBM and space force 
improvements and the effective use of $50 billion of the defense 
budget.
  General Clay directed the effort to replace the Minuteman missile 
guidance system. This vitally important accomplishment now provides the 
nation with a key element of our strategic deterrence capability. This 
was the first major modification to the Minuteman system in almost 30 
years.
  Additionally, he was instrumental in the comprehensive national 
review of our nation's space launch program, including the innovative 
Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program which has resulted in the 
establishment of two internationally competitive commercial families of 
vehicles capable of meeting government and commercial needs.
  General Clay also established the Shared Early Warning System program 
following the September 1998 summit agreement between Presidents 
Clinton and Yeltsin. This program is a milestone in strategic 
partnerships as it allows the United States and partner countries to 
share early warning data. It also establishes a first-ever Center for 
Strategic Stability in Colorado Springs for the upcoming Y2K 
changeover. This Center will provide launch information to a jointly 
manned U.S.-Russian operations team during the Y2K rollover period.
  Unquestionably, Brigadier General John L. Clay is a man of unwavering 
loyalty and dedication. He has earned the respect of his colleagues in 
the Air Force, defense contractors, and members of Congress.
  On behalf of the Senate, I am pleased to convey to General Clay, my 
fellow Utahns, and his wife, Beverly, our best wishes on the occasion 
of his retirement and express our appreciation for his service to our 
country. We wish them well as they embark on this new chapter in their 
lives.

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