US general demoted over inappropriate travel spending
Purchase this article for republication
Buy SPH photos
WASHINGTON (AFP) - A four-star general who headed US Africa Command has been demoted amid charges he spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on pricey travel, Pentagon officials said on Tuesday.
Defence Secretary Leon Panetta demoted General William "Kip" Ward, who was asked to reimburse US$82,000 (S$100,000) for having inappropriately used Pentagon travel funds, a senior defence official said on condition of anonymity.
The four-star general "will retire at the rank of lieutenant-general," a three-star post, a second senior defence official said.
US media reports have said the travel mishaps included bringing Ward's wife on extended business trips. One in Bermuda involved a suite for US$747 a night at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. His wife also allegedly made unauthorised use of armoured vehicles.
