[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.