[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 68 (Tuesday, June 6, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S4556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL PHILLIP J. FORD, USAF

  Mr. KERREY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a life of 
service devoted to defending the values and ideals of our nation. On 
July 1, 2000 the country will lose to retirement its Deputy Commander 
in Chief of the United States Strategic Command, Lieutenant General 
Phillip J. Ford, USAF. Through his leadership, General Ford has taken 
the United States and U.S. Strategic Command into a new world 
environment. During his career, his guidance and foresight helped see 
the U.S. Military into the new millennium.
  Throughout a career that spans four decades, General Ford has 
commanded the 8th Air Force, the 384th Bomb Wing, and the 524th Bomb 
Squadron. As commander of the 384th at McConnell Air Force Base, 
Kansas, he transformed and entire installation to bring in and support 
a new B-1 bomber wing. General Ford has also served as commandant of 
the Air Command and Staff College and held key staff positions at the 
Headquarters of the U.S. Air Force, Military Airlift Command, Air 
Mobility Command and Strategic Air Command.
  As the nation's top bomber commander supporting the United States 
Central Command, General Ford directed an unprecedented global power 
strike against Iraq during Operation DESERT FOX. Despite tactical and 
weapon system limitations, his bombers succeeded in retargeting their 
air launched cruise missiles while airborne and en route to their 
targets. His forces delivered their weapons on time and on target, 
guaranteeing mission success.
  As Deputy Commander in Chief of the United States Strategic Command, 
and as a strong proponent of an enduring, stable, strategic 
relationship with Russia, General Ford championed the Defense 
Department's cooperative threat reduction activities, to include 
military-to-military contacts. General Ford's historic military-to-
military exchanges with senior Russian nuclear commanders built a 
legacy of respect, mutual understanding and cooperation. The general's 
insight in planning and evaluating the command's communication 
capabilities assured the nation that the communication between the 
President, Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs and men and women at the 
helm of ballistic missile submarines, intercontinental ballistic 
missiles and nuclear bombers remained intact despite Y2K concerns. His 
efforts will have an enduring, positive impact on strategic stability 
for many years to come.
  Lieutenant General Ford and his wife, Kris leave the military after a 
distinguished 34 year career serving their nation. The people of the 
United States salute General Ford and Mrs. Ford and wish them well as 
they begin a new chapter of their lives after military service.

                          ____________________