Navy doctor found a long distance dating too difficult

Lt. Andy Baldwin, star of "The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman," must continue his quest for true love.

The Navy doctor and his girlfriend Marla Maples have split due to his recent move to Washington, D.C., reports Usmagazine.com.

"The big move coupled with the long distance relationship wasn't working for us so I decided we were better off as friends," Baldwin says.

In D.C., he will work as an advocate for Navy Medicine.

Baldwin, 31, was originally engaged to his final "Bachelor" pick Tessa Horst, but they later broke off their engagement in August 2007 and split up afterwards. After he returned from a mission Palau late last year, he began seeing Maples, 44.

They spent New Year's and Easter together. At the time, some speculated that the relationship was a publicity stunt because Maples was set to appear on CBS' swiftly canceled "Secret Talents of the Stars" reality show.

Despite the age difference, Baldwin told People that she "has the mind, body and energy of a 25-year-old."