(AP) - Gov. Chris Christie says the longtime commander of New Jersey's National Guard was right to resign over a relationship he was having with a woman who worked for him.

Government officials tell The Associated Press that Maj. Gen.Glenn Rieth decided to step down and retire after beingcaught having a physical relationship with the woman.

According to officials, Rieth reported the incident with hisaide to the governor last month and said it was being reported tothe Army. He offered his resignation less than two weeks later, oneof the officials said.

His retirement is effective Dec. 15. He was appointed in 2002 byformer Gov. James McGreevey.

Christie was especially close to Rieth because they were raisedin Livingston, just outside Newark, and their families knew eachother.