    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [March 11, 2008]
    [Pages 353-354]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Resignation of Admiral William J. ``Fox''
    Fallon as Commander of United
    States Central Command
    March 11, 2008

        Admiral William Fallon has served our Nation with great distinction
    for 40 years. He is an outstanding sailor, and he made history as the
    first naval officer to serve as commander of Central Command.

        From the Horn of Africa to the streets of Baghdad to the mountains
    of Afghanistan, the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and
    coastguardsmen of Central Command are vital to the global war on terror.
    During his tenure at CENTCOM, Admiral Fallon's job has been to help
    ensure that America's military forces are ready to meet the threats

    of an often troubled region of the world, and he deserves considerable
    credit for progress that has been made there, especially in Iraq and
    Afghanistan.

        With service in Vietnam and as Vice Chief of Naval Operations,
    commander of Pacific Command, and many other positions, Admiral Fallon
    has served this country with honor, determination, and commitment. I
    thank his wife Mary, who knows that military
    service involves the whole family, and I wish them all the best as they
    begin the next chapter in their lives.

    [[Page 354]]