From: Jamie McIntyre/CNN
In: Washington
Posted 7-31-97

Subject: Cohen Picks Gen. Mike Ryan As New Air Force Chief

Pentagon sources say Defense Secretary William Cohen has nominated Gen. Michael Ryan, commander of the U.S. Air Force in Europe, as the new Air Force chief.

If confirmed by the Senate, Ryan will replace Gen. Ronald Fogleman, who abruptly announced his retirement Monday.

Sources say Fogleman will go on previously scheduled leave at the end of the week and does not plan to return to the Pentagon after that. He requested retirement before Sept. 1.

Gen. Ryan was key in planning and and carrying out the 1995 air campaign in Bosnia, which resulted in the Bosnian Serbs agreeing to the Dayton peace talks.

He is a former fighter pilot who flew 100 combat missions over North Vietnam, and an Air Force Academy graduate. Ryan's father, Air Force Gen. Jack Ryan, was Air Force Chief of Staff from 1969 to 1973.

Pentagon sources tell CNN that the White House plans to make the announcement Friday.