    [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]

    Statement on the Nomination of Gen. Joseph J. Ralston To Be Supreme Allied Commander Europe
    October 14, 1999

        I am pleased to announce that I have nominated Gen. Joseph J.
    Ralston, United States Air Force, to succeed Gen. Wesley K.
    Clark, United States Army, as Supreme Allied
    Commander Europe. This nomination is subject to the approval of the
    North Atlantic Council's Defense Planning Committee. Upon Defense
    Planning Committee approval of his nomination as Supreme Allied
    Commander Europe, I intend to send forward to Congress General Ralston's
    nomination to serve as Commander in Chief, United States European
    Command.
        General Ralston's distinguished career spans three decades, with
    significant operational and policy experience. He established impeccable
    credentials as a military commander while commanding the 68th Tactical
    Fighter Squadron, the 56th Tactical Training Wing, the U.S. Alaskan
    Command, the 11th Air Force, and the Air Combat Command. He has served
    with great distinction as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
    over the past 3\1/2\ years, providing excellent advice and support for
    two Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairmen and two Secretaries of Defense.
        This is a time of significant change within the North Atlantic
    Alliance, as NATO continues the work of building a secure and undivided
    Europe. General Clark is doing an extraordinary job as Supreme Allied
    Commander Europe. He led Allied forces to a brilliant victory in
    Operation Allied Force and is demonstrating similarly impressive
    leadership as KFOR provides the security necessary to build a lasting
    and just peace in Kosovo. I know he will continue his dynamic leadership
    of NATO forces in Europe during the remainder of his tour. I have utmost
    confidence that General Ralston will be a worthy successor.