    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [December 15, 1995]
    [Page 1894]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Nomination of General Joseph W. Ralston to be Vice
    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
    December 15, 1995

        I am pleased to announce that I have nominated Gen. Joseph W.
    Ralston, U.S. Air Force, for assignment as Vice Chairman of the Joint
    Chiefs of Staff, succeeding Adm. William A. Owens, who is retiring.
        General Ralston currently serves as the Commander, Air Combat
    Command. In this capacity, he is responsible for training and equipping
    all active Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve combat
    wings and squadrons in the United States and Panama. During his
    distinguished career, General Ralston flew more than 2,500 flying hours,
    including 147 combat missions over Laos and North Vietnam. He also
    served as the Air Force's Director for Tactical Programs and its
    Director for Operational Requirements. In the latter capacity, his
    championing of the rapid transition of advanced technology to the
    battlefield was instrumental in determining the shape and force
    structure of tomorrow's Air Force. General Ralston brings to the job of
    Vice Chairman a wealth of experience in the development of military
    requirements and an indepth knowledge of the defense acquisition
    process. These and other attributes provide General Ralston the
    requisite leadership and management necessary for the post of Vice
    Chairman at a critical time in the history of the Armed Forces.
        I will depend upon General Ralston to continue the initiatives of
    Admiral Owens which are designed to ensure that our Armed Forces best
    determine their warfighting requirements and capabilities. I commend
    Admiral Owens for his exemplary service to his Nation. His sound
    military advice on the use of military power to back U.S. diplomacy, his
    crucial role in shaping our forces to fight as a joint team, and the
    superlative leadership he provided in harnessing the information and
    technological revolution to our current and future defense posture will
    ensure that our military will remain the best in the world as we enter
    the 21st century. Admiral Owens will truly be missed in the senior
    decisionmaking ranks of our national security structure. Hillary and I
    join in wishing him the very best as he begins a new phase of his life.