U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Relocation Announced

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

The following release can be viewed online at:
http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/2004/nr20040123-0262.html
_________________________________________________

 No. 047-04
 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 Jan 23, 2004
 (703)697-5131(media)
 (703)428-0711(public/industry)

 U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Relocation Announced



The Navy has decided to relocate U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command
(USNAVSO) from Naval Station Roosevelt Roads,
Puerto Rico, to Naval Station Mayport, Fla.

On Sept. 30, 2003, the President of the United States signed into law
the Fiscal Year 2004 Defense Appropriations Act.  The legislation
included language that calls for the Navy to close Naval Station
Roosevelt Roads no later than six  months after enactment of the act.
This legislation requires the relocation of tenant commands, including
USNAVSO.  Since the Navy must close Naval Station Roosevelt Roads by
March 31, 2004, relocation of USNAVSO is a high priority.

The relocation of USNAVSO to Mayport, Fla., effectively meets Navy
mission requirements and will ensure Navy personnel assigned to the
command continue to enjoy a high quality of life.  The Navy studied a
number of locations and took into account availability of existing
infrastructure, communications capabilities and anti-terrorism/force
protection support, amongst other factors.  This relocation is scheduled
to commence next month and be completed by March 2004.

Initially, Commander USNAVSO will be "dual-hatted" with Commander Naval
Surface Group Two, and the two staffs will be consolidated.  One flag
officer billet will be disestablished.  Naval Surface Group Two will
then be disestablished, creating personnel savings and alignment
efficiencies.

For more information, contact the Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs
Office at (757) 836-3600.

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