[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 31 (Monday, August 4, 1997)]
[Page 1163]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Nomination of General Michael E. Ryan To Be Chief of 
Staff of the Air Force

July 31, 1997

    I am pleased to nominate General Michael E. Ryan to be Chief of 
Staff of the U.S. Air Force.
    General Ryan currently serves as Commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe, 
and Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe. He brings to the job of 
Chief of Staff broad operational and joint experience as well as proven 
leadership ability and a deep concern for the men and women of the U.S. 
Air Force.
    During his distinguished career, General Ryan served a combat tour 
in the Vietnam war and commanded a fighter squadron and fighter wing. As 
Commander, Allied Air Forces Southern Europe, he directed the highly 
successful air strikes in Bosnia that convinced the warring factions 
they could not achieve their aims through military means, which 
contributed to our efforts to convene the negotiations that resulted in 
the Dayton accords.
    General Ryan assumes the post of Chief of Staff as the U.S. Air 
Force proudly celebrates 50 years of dedicated service to our Nation in 
war and peace. With General Ryan as Chief of Staff, I am confident that 
the Air Force will continue its tradition of excellence as it enters the 
21st century.