US Naval Forces Korea to start base relocation

U.S. Naval Forces Korea said Monday that it would hold a groundbreaking ceremony to start its base relocation from capital Seoul to the southern port city of Busan. The U.S. Navy stationed in South Korea said in a statement that it would break ground on a new headquarters Thursday at the country's navy base in Busan, which will house U.S. Navy personnel currently based in Seoul. The relocation was scheduled for completion in 2014, the statement said, noting that the planned move will place naval leaders and headquarters staffs from Seoul and Washington in the same location, which was expected to bring closer coordination and enhanced interoperability between the two navies. "This ground breaking event sets the tone for an enduring alliance between the ROK and U.S. navies,"said Rear Adm. William McQuilkin, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea."Our new headquarters will be co- located with the ROK fleet headquarters in Busan, where we can better support both the ROK and U.S. navies and be closer to the maritime environment."