Adm. William “Fox” Fallon, head of US Central Command, will resign effective March 31, the Pentagon announced Tuesday. He has been in the post for just a year. The sudden move stemmed from a recent magazine story claiming he has resisted an Administration desire to pursue military action against Iran’s nuclear program. Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, Fallon’s deputy, will take the reins temporarily. In a statement issued by CENTCOM, Fallon said there have never been “any differences” between himself and the Administration over policy in his area of responsibility, but “the simple perception that there is makes it difficult for me to effectively serve America’s interests there.” Defense Secretary Robert Gates accepted Fallon’s resignation, saying at a Pentagon press conference that his resignation was the right thing to do under the circumstances. However, he praised Fallon’s service and characterized the idea that the Administration is seeking military confrontation with Iran as “ridiculous.” Gates also said he doesn’t think there were any differences “at all” between Fallon’s advice and Administration policy.
The Space Force awarded three contracts for rocket launches worth up to a combined $13.68 billion on April 4—and the usual players SpaceX and United Launch Alliance have got some competition in the form of newcomer Blue Origin.