US General at centre of expenses probe had luxury stay in Bermuda
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AP Photo/Caleb Jones US Army Lt Gen William (Kip) Ward is adminstered the oath of four-star general, the Army's highest rank of general in 2006 at Fort Myer, Virginia. The Associated Press has learned that Ward, who was the first head of the new US Africa Command is under investigation and facing demotion for possibly spending hundreds of thousands of dollars improperly on lavish travel, hotels and other items. Several defense officials said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected soon to decide the fate of Ward.
A general who headed the US military’s African command is in hot water for billing his government for his stay in a luxury suite in Bermuda.
Lt Gen William (Kip) Ward’s visit to the Island for refuelling was mentioned in a 99-page report by the Defense Department investigating alleged excessive unauthorised spending.
Lt Gen Ward, the first commander of US Africa Command, is accused of lengthy stays at lavish hotels with his wife and staff members, as well as the use of five-vehicle motorcades while travelling in Washington, around 2010, according to reports in the United States.
The Boston Globe reported he and his wife stayed in a $750 suite while in Bermuda, and that the cost of rooms for them and his staff on the Island came to more than $10,000, not including meals transportations or other costs.
His staff stayed in Bermuda even after he departed, the report said. Lt Gen Ward, 63, is said to have defended the layover as a ‘crew stop’ and blamed his staff for the decision to stay.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected to make a decision on Lt Gen Ward’s fate before the end of the month.
The total amount of his spending has not been disclosed, but the Daily Mail in the UK reports it is in the region of $800,000.
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Published Aug 20, 2012 at 8:41 am (Updated Aug 20, 2012 at 8:40 am)