Myers takes command of NORAD, space commands

Myers takes command of NORAD, space commands

Released: 19 Aug 1998

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- Gen. Richard B. Myers took command of North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Space Command and Air Force Space Command at a ceremony Aug. 14 here.

Presiding over the ceremony were Gen. Maurice Baril, chief of the Canadian Defence Staff, Gen. Joseph Ralston, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Michael E. Ryan, Air Force Chief of Staff.

"Myers understands the need to continue to bring the growing contributions of space into a seamless military capability," said Gen. Michael E. Ryan, Air Force chief of staff. "He is known by the men and women who have served with him in the past as a caring leader ... concerned not just about the mission, but also about the troops and their quality of life."

Myers took command from Gen. Howell M. Estes III, who has been the commander since August 1996.

"I know the proud men and women of NORAD, U.S. Space Command and Air Force Space Command are ready to take this effort to the next level. All systems are go for a bright future as we serve two great nations and fulfill the promise of space," said Myers.

"NORAD remains the cornerstone of Canadian-United States defense cooperation," said Gen. Maurice Baril, chief of the Canadian Defence Staff.

"At the center of this evolution has always been a highly effective working relationship, made possible through the superb leadership of commanders who have brought to this binational command exceptional professional skills, dedication, foresight and diplomacy."

"I share the confidence of the leaders of both the United States and Canada that my friend Dick Myers is the right choice to lead Space Command and NORAD into the new century," said Gen. Joseph Ralston, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Myers comes from an assignment as the commander of Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. He entered the Air Force in 1965 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Kansas State University, and entered pilot training in June 1965 at Vance AFB, Okla.

A command pilot, Myers has more than 3,900 flying hours in the T-33, F-4, F-16 and F-15 aircraft, including 600 combat hours in the F-4. Before his assignment to PACAF, he was assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington. (Courtesy of AFSPC News Service)

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Myers takes command of NORAD, space commands