[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 148 (Friday, November 15, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S11205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 NOMINATION OF JAMES L. JONES TO BE SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER, EUROPE, 
                                 SACEUR

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the nomination 
of Gen. James Jones to be Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. General 
Jones has served in the Marine Corps with tremendous skill and 
dedication, and I know he will make an equally effective U.S. and NATO 
commander in Europe.
  I first met General Jones when he served as a Corps liaison here in 
the U.S. Senate in the mid-1980s. Like other Marines, then Major Jones 
was quiet about his war record but I learned he served gallantly in 
Vietnam. In some of the worldwide travel that the Corps supported and 
he helped arrange, I quickly realized that the service had itself a man 
of exceptional intellect, skill, and determination. In other words, the 
Corps possessed a leader in every sense of the word.
  Despite his fluent French and obvious sense of diplomacy, General 
Jones is foremost a warrior and his career is dominated by such 
critical assignments as commanding the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. 
I visited this prestigious unit when it participated in Operation 
Provide Comfort after the Gulf War. One of the most impressive sights I 
have ever seen was then Colonel Jones giving crisp orders to his 
Marines only miles outside of the Iraqi town of Zaku while Air Force A-
10 Thunderbolts provided aerial cover. He brought his typical 
professionalism to other combat-related assignments.
  As the 32d Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Jones has served 
exceptionally. Under his leadership, the Marine Corps has developed new 
capabilities that will help America's 9-1-1 force to operate 
effectively at greater distances. In response to September 11 attacks, 
General Jones ordered the creation of a new unit to protect the country 
domestically, in addition to inspiring Marines to serve in truly 
outstanding action in Afghanistan and across the turbulent Middle East.
  It is a testament to his achievements and character that the 
President selected General Jones to become the Supreme Allied 
Commander, Europe. General Jones will be the first Marine to take on 
this most prestigious military command. He faces a number of 
challenges, including navigating the expansion of the Atlantic Alliance 
along with the prosecuting the war on terrorism. He will command an 
enormous Area of Responsibility, including much of Africa where the 
AIDS/HIV epidemic promises to create untold security instabilities. If 
anyone is up to leading allied forces to protect our interests and 
promote our values it is Jim Jones.
  Marcelle and I wish General Jones and his wife Diane all the best as 
they move to Mons, Belgium. Based on our friendship and contact over 
the years, I know he will make us proud. I congratulate him, and, as an 
American, I am thankful our country has his services.

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