SACRAMENTO /California Newswire/ — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement congratulating Major General William H. Wade II, Adjutant General of the California National Guard, on his selection as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Joint Forces Command-Naples, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Response Force (NATO), Naples, Italy:
“Major General Wade has built a notable and distinguished career while leading California’s National Guard through its continued transformation from a strategic reserve into a globally deployable operational force. Throughout his tenure, the Guard has effectively responded to a variety of natural disasters including Hurricane Katrina and the California wildfires of 2007 and 2008. Additionally, the Guard has provided over 30,000 of its soldiers and airmen for missions overseas including significant deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo and responded to support operations along the nation’s Southwest border during Operation Jump Start.”
He continued, “Major General Wade has done an amazing job as a leader, working to keep our state and nation safe and our men and women in uniform trained for success. Major General Wade’s leadership has made outstanding contributions to California. On behalf of all Californians, I thank Major General Wade for his service to our state and wish him continued success as he represents and serves his country with NATO.”
In September 2005, the Governor appointed Major General William H. Wade II as Adjutant General of the California National Guard. He will leave his current appointment in February 2010.
