20080311 Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announces the retirement of U. S. Central Command’s commander Admiral William Fallon

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announces the retirement of U. S. Central Command’s commander Admiral William Fallon

U.S. Department of Defense

Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Transcript

On the Web: http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4172

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Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates March 11, 2008

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DoD News Briefing with Secretary Robert Gates from the Pentagon

SEC. GATES: Good afternoon.

Admiral William Fallon is, at this moment, issuing a statement announcing that he has asked my approval to step down, from his current duties as commander of U.S. Central Command, and retire. Admiral Fallon advised me of his decision early this morning. He told me that, quote, "The current embarrassing situation, public perception of differences between my views and administration policy, and the distraction this causes from the mission make this the right thing to do," unquote.

I have approved Admiral Fallon's request, to retire, with reluctance and regret. Effective March 31st, Lieutenant General Martin Dempsey, deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, will serve as acting commander. He will serve in that capacity until such time as permanent relief can be nominated and confirmed.

Admiral Fallon has served his nation well throughout a distinguished military career for over 40 years, first in the Navy and then at the helm of two of the most important and dynamic operational commands, Pacific and Central Command. Fox Fallon has led our nation and hundreds of thousands of men and women in uniform with conviction, strategic vision, integrity and courage.

Admiral Fallon fought bravely in the skies over Vietnam, commanded an air wing during Desert Storm and then went on to lead at the highest levels of the U.S. armed forces. As commander of CENTCOM, he has managed, with skill and diplomacy, the mounting challenges across the broader Middle East and has kept foremost in mind the need to protect our vital national security interests in the region.

Fox Fallon has dedicated his life to the preservation of the freedoms we in this nation enjoy today, and all Americans should be deeply grateful for his dedication. On behalf of the Department of Defense and the nation, I thank him for his years of selfless service.

Admiral Fallon reached this difficult decision entirely on his own. I believe it was the right thing to do even though I do not believe there are, in fact, significant differences between his views and administration policy.

I'll take a few questions.

Read the rest here: Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announces the retirement of U. S. Central Command’s commander Admiral William Fallon

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20080311 SecDef Gates announces the retirement of CentCom Adm Fallon