    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [October 14, 1999]
    [Page 1792]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Nomination of Gen. Ralph E. Eberhart To Be United States Space Command Commander in Chief and
    Related Positions
    October 14, 1999

        I am pleased to nominate Gen. Ralph E. Eberhart, United States Air
    Force, to be Commander in Chief, United States Space Command; Commander
    in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command; Commander, Air Force
    Space Command; and Department of Defense Manager for Space
    Transportation Systems Contingency Support. If confirmed by the Senate,
    General Eberhart will succeed Gen. Richard B. Myers.
        General Eberhart currently serves as the Commander of the Air Combat
    Command. Over a distinguished career, General Eberhart has gained
    extensive operational and planning experience and demonstrated
    tremendous leadership ability. A Command Pilot, he commanded the 10th
    Tactical Fighter Squadron, the 363d Tactical Fighter Wing, U.S. Forces
    Japan, and the 5th Air Force, as well as Air Combat Command. His broad
    professional experience also includes significant tours on the Joint
    Staff and Air Staff in the Pentagon and on the staff of Commander in
    Chief, U.S. Air Forces, Europe.
        General Eberhart assumes the post of Commander in Chief, United
    States Space Command, at a time when U.S. capabilities in space have
    become critical to our economic prosperity, our position of leadership
    in the world, and our national security. He will be charged with
    protecting and extending those capabilities, and as well as taking on
    new responsibilities for information operations. I have the utmost trust
    and confidence in his ability to do so.