Former Pacific chief Although Air Force Gen. Richard Myers was here for only a year as commanding general of the Pacific Air Forces, many of those associated with him in the civilian community believed he was destined for bigger things.
fulfills greater destiny
Air Force Gen. Richard Myers is
nominated to be the chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of StaffBy Gregg K. Kakesako
gkakesako@starbulletin.comToday, Myers was nominated to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at a press conference at President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas.
"The right man to preserve the best traditions of our armed forces while challenging them to innovate to meet the threats of the future is Gen. Richard B. Myers," Bush said today.
"General Myers is a man of steady resolve and determined leadership."
Locally, the praise was equally enthusiastic.
Bill Paul, former publisher of the Waikiki Beach Press, said Myers was here from only July 8, 1997, to July 31, 1998, when he became head of the U.S. Space Command.
"Usually, the Pacific Forces commander's job is for three years," said Paul, a retired Marine major, "but when he was selected to head the Space Command, we knew that it was a move to greater things.
"He was very bright individual with a command of nuclear missiles and satellites," said Paul, a member of a council of senior business executives interested in supporting the activities of the Air Force.
"That's what probably gave him the edge, since it reflected the president's desire to emphasize newer technologies in the military, the importance of space and computers in warfare and emerging threats around the globe."
Local businessman Howard Lee sent Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld a letter in June urging Myers' appointment. Lee was chairman of the Pacific Air Force Command Civilian Advisory Council from 1997 to 1999 and traveled with Myers touring installations in Okinawa, South Korea, Japan and Alaska.
"Although Gen. Myers spent 14 months here with us," Lee wrote, "his leadership and interpersonal skills were outstanding."
Lee said he never did anything like that before, but he was moved by Myers' ability "to get things done with a supportive attitude."
"He places trust in people, and people respond," Lee said.
If confirmed by the Senate, Myers would replace Army Gen. Henry H. Shelton, who will retire Sept. 30.