Michael E. Ryan | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait as Chief of Staff of the Air Force | |
| Born | December 24, 1941 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1965–2001 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands | Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force Allied Air Forces Central Europe U.S. Air Forces in Europe 16th Air Force Allied Air Forces Southern Europe 432nd Tactical Fighter Wing 61st Tactical Fighter Squadron |
| Battles / wars | Vietnam War Operation Deliberate Force |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal (3) Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (2) Army Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (3) Distinguished Flying Cross Full list |
| Relations | General John Dale Ryan (father) |
Michael Edward Ryan[1] (born December 24, 1941) is a retired United States Air Force general and was the 16th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force from October 1997 to September 2001. He served as the senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training and equipage of 700,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he and the other service chiefs functioned as military advisers to the Secretary of Defense, National Security Council and the President.