Nation IN BRIEF : FLORIDA : Admiral Appeals Demotion in Rank

An admiral accused of protecting an aide from punishment for alleged homosexual advances has appealed his demotion. Vice Adm. John Fetterman asked to be retired after he was removed last month as chief of naval education and training, in Pensacola, Fla., the Navy’s largest on-shore command. Fetterman has not changed his mind about retiring Sept. 1, but has challenged a reduction in rank from three to two stars when he leaves. Fetterman has said he believes he did nothing wrong by referring a complaint against his aide, a chief petty officer, to the man’s commanding officer.