 |
Bay News 9
Local Programming
On Demand
About
Community
Market Place
Services
Central Command Chief William Fallon resigns
Adm. William Fallon had been serving as chief of U.S. forces in the Middle East and Central Asia since 2007.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that Admiral William Fallon, the top U.S. military commander for the Middle East, is resigning.
Gates said Fallon had asked Gates for permission to retire and Gates agreed.
Fallon was the subject of an article published last week in Esquire magazine that portrayed him as opposed to President Bush's Iran policy. It described Fallon as a lone voice against taking military action to stop the Iranian nuclear program.
"Recent press reports suggesting a disconnect between my views and the President's policy objectives have become a distraction at a critical time and hamper efforts in the CENTCOM region," Fallon said in a prepared statement.
"And although I don't believe there have ever been any differences about the objectives of our policy in the Central Command Area of Responsibility, the simple perception that there is makes it difficult for me to effectively serve America's interests there.
"I have therefore concluded that it would be best to step aside and allow the Secretary and our military leaders to move beyond this distraction ... and focus on the achievement of our strategic objectives in the region. I have submitted my request to retire to the Secretary of Defense."
Fallon's retirement marks the end of nearly 42 years of service to the nation in the U.S. Navy.
He took the Central Command post on March 16, 2007, succeeding Army Gen. John Abizaid, who retired. Fallon previously served as commander of U.S. Pacific Command.
Commenting on his career, Fallon concluded, "I am grateful for having had this opportunity to serve with the outstanding service personnel and civilians of Central Command. It has been my high honor to have served my Nation and the Navy for four decades, and I thank all of you who continue to serve."
Centcom is based locally at MacDill Air Force Base in south Tampa.
More National Stories
- Author of faked Holocaust book fights publisher
- Nevada Supreme Court won't delay Simpson trial
- Mom of missing Fla. girl could return to jail
- Accountant pleads guilty to price fixing in CT, NY
- Judges refuse to rehear W. Pa. ex-Nazi guard case
- Trying to stop removal hearing, Detroit mayor sues
- New Orleans asks: Will the rebuilt levees hold?
- Jury acquits former Marine in killing of Iraqis
- Walkway collapses in San Diego, injuring 16
Get the latest news, weather, and traffic on your computer desktop, your cell phone or via e-mail with Bay News 9's free alert service, Bay News 9 Now.
Become An Asterisk Hunter!
At Bright House Networks, we prefer to keep things simple.So the next time you're looking for TV, home phone and Internet service with a 30-day, money-back guarantee, but without the fine print surprises, call
1-866-976-EASY.
Learn more at AsteriskHunters.com.
