[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
[June 15, 1995]
[Page 893]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Resignation of Admiral William O. Studeman as
Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
June 15, 1995

    With regret at his departure but gratitude for his 32 years of 
service to our country, I have today accepted the resignation of Admiral 
William O. Studeman as Deputy Director of Central Intelligence.
    Throughout an extraordinary and exemplary career, Admiral Studeman 
has done honor to his uniform. He rose through the ranks of the Navy, 
serving as a career intelligence officer, Executive Assistant to the 
Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Director of Long Range Planning, and 
ultimately, the 53d Director of Naval Intelligence.
    The practical and profound expertise Admiral Studeman developed in 
intelligence has served him and our Nation well in two critical 
assignments, Director of the National Security Agency and then Deputy 
Director of Central Intelligence. Within the intelligence community, in 
Congress, and throughout the executive branch, he earned a reputation 
for integrity, collegiality, and competence of the highest order.
    As Deputy Director of Central Intelligence, Admiral Studeman served 
two Presidents and three Directors of Central Intelligence. On two 
extended occasions, he took on the responsibilities of Acting Director. 
I am especially grateful for the continuity and leadership he provided 
to the entire intelligence community in a time of great change. Admiral 
Studeman helped begin the difficult but vital task of transforming the 
community to meet the new challenges of the post-cold-war world. He led 
efforts to streamline our intelligence agencies while making sure that 
they maintained the unique information advantage the United States must 
have in meeting threats to our security and prosperity. The many 
initiatives he took and innovations he made have set a strong foundation 
for the intelligence community as we move into the 21st century.
    Admiral Studeman has offered to stay on the job during the coming 
weeks pending his successor's confirmation, an offer I have gratefully 
accepted. In the years to come, I know and expect that Admiral Studeman 
will make his voice heard as we continue to adapt the intelligence 
community to the demands of a new era.
    Bill Studeman has dedicated his professional life to making the 
American people safer and more secure. Today, on behalf of all 
Americans, I thank him.