    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [July 31, 1997]
    [Page 1032]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1032]]

    Statement on the Nomination of General Michael E. Ryan To Be
    Air Force Chief of Staff
    July 31, 1997

        I am pleased to nominate General Michael E. Ryan to be Chief of
    Staff of the U.S. Air Force.
        General Ryan currently serves as Commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe,
    and Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe. He brings to the job of
    Chief of Staff broad operational and joint experience as well as proven
    leadership ability and a deep concern for the men and women of the U.S.
    Air Force.
        During his distinguished career, General Ryan served a combat tour
    in the Vietnam war and commanded a fighter squadron and fighter wing. As
    Commander, Allied Air Forces Southern Europe, he directed the highly
    successful airstrikes in Bosnia that convinced the warring factions they
    could not achieve their aims through military means, which contributed
    to our efforts to convene the negotiations that resulted in the Dayton
    accords.
        General Ryan assumes the post of Chief of Staff as the U.S. Air
    Force proudly celebrates 50 years of dedicated service to our Nation in
    war and peace. With General Ryan as Chief of Staff, I am confident that
    the Air Force will continue its tradition of excellence as it enters the
    21st century.