[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 19 (Monday, February 28, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S845-S846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          GENERAL JOE RALSTON

  Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, later today I will join Senators Ionuye, 
Warner and Levin in hosting a reception to bid farewell to Joe and Dede 
Ralston, as General Ralston concludes his second tour as Vice Chairman 
of the Joint Chiefs.
  Happily, this event does not signify General Ralston's retirement, 
but his advancement to the position of Supreme Allied Commander Europe, 
in charge of all NATO forces, and all U.S. Forces stationed in Europe.
  Joe Ralston has pursued a career of firsts, and breakthrough 
leadership success. His assignment as the first Air Force officer to 
command NATO is typical, and indicative, of his tremendous talents, and 
force of personality.
  Remarkably, Joe Ralston has achieved success in several distinct 
military disciplines over his career, spanning more than 34 years.
  Joe Ralton's military career is founded in his experience as a combat 
and command pilot during the Vietnam war. During two combat tours, in 
F-105 fighters and F-105 wild weasel jets, Joe honed his warfighting 
skills.
  In the 1980's and early 1990's General Ralston played a key role in 
the technological revolution in air warfare. While many of these 
programs are still very sensitive, the direct impact of General 
Ralston's service in technology development and acquisition played a 
prominent role in our victories in Desert Storm and Kosovo.
  Moving into more senior leadership positions, General Ralston 
contributed to reorganization of the Air Force during his tenure as 
commander of the 11th Air Force, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff of 
Plans and Operations and Commander of the Air Combat Command.
  Most recently, General Ralston served with great distinction as Vice 
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
  Over these past four years, General Ralston has left and indelible 
mark on our nation's military, now, and for many years ahead.
  An architect of the 1997 Quadrennial Defense Review, General Ralston 
helped shape the force structure and training doctrine now followed by 
our Nation's Armed Forces.
  The modernization plan presented in the QDR has moved us forward on 
recaptilizing our air and naval forces, and achieving Secretary Cohen's 
goal of $60 billion for procurement for FY 2001.
  These accomplishments proceeded during a period of overseas military 
activity across the globe unmatched since the end of the Second World 
War.
  My colleagues here recognize that I have not always supported this 
administration's policies in the deployment of U.S. Forces overseas.
  Regardless of how and why those deployments commenced, the 
performance and success of the U.S. military in these assignments 
reflects the leadership that General Ralston and all the Joint Chiefs 
have provided.
  Looking ahead, to the continued opportunity for service General 
Ralston has accepted in moving to the Supreme Allied Commander job, 
this will be his toughest challenge.
  General Ralston proceeds to Brussels following another great American 
Commander, General Wes Clark.
  Having visited General Clark many times at his headquarters, and in 
the Balkans, there is no question that he provided the glue that held 
the alliance together in Bosnia and Kosovo.
  General Clark did so facing limitations unlike those encountered by 
any previous alliance commander. He merits our accolades.
  General Ralston succeeds General Clark in an era where our allies 
must decide the nature of their military forces in the future, and the 
role of Europe, compared to NATO, in future security matters.
  To me, there is no officer in the U.S. military today better 
prepared, by experience or temperament, to accept this challenge.
  While that is a strong claim, I make this comment to the Senate based 
on my personal experience in watching General Ralston command.
  Catherine and I have known Joe and Dede Ralston since 1992, when they 
arrived in Alaska to take on the responsibility of commanding all U.S. 
military forces in my State.
  Joe immediately established himself as not just a military commander, 
but a real Alaskan.
  In fact, as Joe and Dede saw the close of this assignment as Vice 
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs approaching, they made plans to establish 
a home in Alaska--coming home as neighbors.
  While disappointed that we cannot look forward to their imminent 
return to Alaska, I join all Alaskans in congratulating General Ralston 
on the successful conclusion of his tenure as

[[Page S846]]

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and wishing him well as he proceeds 
to this next position of military and diplomatic responsibility.
  I am confident that I can also speak for my colleagues here in the 
Senate in that wish, and commitment to work with General Ralston to 
meet the needs of our own military forces in Europe, and foster 
continued close ties with NATO.
  Let me also take one moment to welcome General Ralston's successor as 
Vice Chairman, General Dick Myers.
  Senator Inouye and I enjoyed a close relationship with General Myers 
during his tenure as commander of the Pacific Air Forces, which 
included units in our States of Alaska and Hawaii.
  Most recently, General Myers served as Commander in Chief of the U.S. 
Space Command. I know he will bring the same skills and judgment to 
this position that he demonstrated in these earlier assignments.
  All Senators are invited to the reception at 5 p.m. this afternoon in 
S-128, in honor of the conclusion of General Ralston's tenure as Vice 
Chairman.
  Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to take just a few 
minutes to express why so many of us are sad to see Joe and Dede leave 
Washington, but proud of their service, and the new challenges they 
will assume on behalf of our Nation.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I yield to the Senator from Iowa for 15 
minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Iowa is recognized.

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