Navy career ends for four-star admiral

William Fallon was reportedly at odds with White House over Iran

Chris O'meara / AP

U.S. Navy Adm. William Fallon listens to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates during a ceremony in March.

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updated 5:32 p.m. ET April 18, 2008

ABOARD THE USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT - The four-star admiral who abruptly resigned his position in charge of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan concluded his career on an aircraft carrier.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates was on hand Friday to honor Adm. William Fallon aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, docked at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia.

Fallon was a naval aviator who once commanded the Roosevelt's carrier battle group during his 41 years in the Navy.

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Fallon announced unexpectedly last month that he was quitting after just about a year as commander of U.S. Central Command.

The announcement came days after an Esquire magazine article reported that he was at odds with a White House eager to go to war with Iran.