    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [October 14, 1999]
    [Page 1793]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1793]]

    Statement on the Nomination of Gen. Richard B. Myers To Be Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
    October 14, 1999

        I am pleased to nominate Gen. Richard B. Myers, United States Air
    Force, to be Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. If confirmed by
    the Senate, General Myers will succeed Gen. Joseph J. Ralston.
        General Myers currently serves as Commander in Chief, United States
    Space Command; Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense
    Command; and Commander, Air Force Space Command. He brings to the
    position of Vice Chairman extensive operational and planning experience
    as well as proven leadership ability. During this distinguished career,
    General Myers commanded the 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the 325th
    Tactical Training Wing, the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing, U.S. Forces
    Japan, the 5th Air Force, and U.S. Pacific Air Forces. He is a Command
    Pilot with more than 3,900 flying hours, including combat missions in
    Vietnam. His broad professional experience also includes significant
    tours on the Joint Staff and Air Staff in the Pentagon.
        General Myers assumes the post of Vice Chairman at a time of diverse
    challenges for our Armed Forces, ranging from preserving and enhancing
    military readiness to modernizing and transforming our forces to
    maintain our military superiority in the 21st century. I have the utmost
    trust and confidence in his ability to meet these challenges.