[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.