[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 109 (Tuesday, September 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING GENERAL WILLIAM L. ``SPIDER'' NYLAND ON THE OCCASION OF 
     HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE MARINE CORPS AFTER 37 YEARS OF SERVICE

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2005

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize and pay tribute 
to General William L. ``Spider'' Nyland, United States Marine Corps, on 
the occasion of his retirement from active duty. General Nyland has 
served our great Nation for more than 37 years. The departure of 
General Nyland marks not only the end of an illustrious career replete 
with many honors, it also marks the beginning of several initiatives 
which, by virtue of his strategic vision, dynamic leadership and 
accomplished diplomatic skills, will ensure that U.S. national strategy 
is prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
  General Nyland was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine 
Corps under the NROTC program upon graduation from the University of 
New Mexico in 1968. In addition to attaining a M.S. degree from the 
University of Southern California, his formal military education 
includes The Basic School (1968), Naval Aviation Flight Training (NFO) 
(1969), Amphibious Warfare School (1975), Navy Fighter Weapons School 
(TopGun) (1977), College of Naval Command and Staff, Naval War College 
(1981), and Air War College (1988).
  After being assigned to VMFA-531, General Nyland was ordered to 
Vietnam where he flew 122 combat missions with VMFA-314 and VMFA-115. 
General Nyland's other tours included Instructor RIO, VMFAT-101; 
Squadron Assistant Operations Officer and Operations Officer, VMFA-115; 
and Brigade FORSTAT and Electronic Warfare Officer, 1st Marine Brigade. 
He also served as Operations Officer and Director of Safety and 
Standardization, VMFA-212; Aviation Safety Officer and Congressional 
Liaison/Budget Officer, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, 
DC; and Operations Officer, Marine Aircraft Group-24, 1st Marine 
Amphibious Brigade. He commanded VMFA-232, the Marine Corps' oldest and 
most decorated fighter squadron, from July 1985 to July 1987.
  General Nyland subsequently served as section chief for the Central 
Command section, European Command/Central Command Branch, Joint 
Operations Division, Directorate of Operations (J-3), Joint Staff, 
Washington, DC. In July 1990, he assumed command of Marine Aviation 
Training Support Group (MATSG), Pensacola. Following his command of 
MATSG he assumed duties as Chief of Staff, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing on 
July 5, 1992, and assumed additional duties as Assistant Wing Commander 
on November 10, 1992. He was promoted to Brigadier General on September 
1, 1994 and was assigned as Assistant Wing Commander, 2nd MAW serving 
in that billet until December 1, 1995.

  He served next on the Joint Staff, J-8, as the Deputy Director for 
Force Structure and Resources, completing that tour on June 30, 1997. 
General Nyland was advanced to Major General on July 2, 1997, and 
assumed duties as the Deputy Commanding General, II Marine 
Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. He served next as the 
Commanding General, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, MCAS Cherry Point, North 
Carolina from July 1998 to June 2000. He was advanced to Lieutenant 
General on 30 June 2000 and assumed duties as the Deputy Commandant for 
Programs and Resources, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. He next served 
as the Deputy Commandant for Aviation on 3 August 2001. He was advanced 
to the grade of General on September 4,2002 and assumed his current 
duties shortly thereafter.
  General Nyland's personal decorations include: Defense Distinguished 
Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 
Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with eight Strike/Flight 
awards, and Joint Service Commendation Medal.
  Throughout his career as a United States Marine, General Nyland has 
demonstrated uncompromising character, discerning wisdom, and a 
sincere, selfless sense of duty to his Marines and members of other 
services assigned to his numerous joint commands. His powerful 
leadership inspired the Marines to tremendous success no matter the 
task, and achieved results which will assure the United States' 
security in this hemisphere and overseas.
  General Nyland concludes his illustrious career as the Assistant 
Commandant of the Marine Corps. In this capacity, he has been the 
principal advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps on all 
decisions of major consequence. His extensive and diverse background in 
operational and joint planning, professional military education and 
training, and budgetary and programmatic policy issues have been given 
wide credibility by decision makers in the Department of the Navy, the 
Joint Staff, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the United 
States Congress.
  General Nyland has made a lasting contribution to the capabilities of 
today's Marine Corps and the future shape of tomorrow's Corps. We are 
grateful for General Nyland's dedication, sense of duty, advice and 
counsel. The Marine Corps will miss him, but General Nyland leaves a 
tremendous legacy for others to follow and emulate. I wish General 
Nyland and his lovely wife, Brenda, daughters, Brandy and Leslie, and 
son, Matthew, congratulations and all best wishes as they enter this 
new chapter of their lives.

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