US Naval Forces Korea Start Building New HQ in Busan

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea broke ground on a new headquarters facility Aug. 29 during a ceremony at the Republic of Korea navy base at Busan.

The ground-breaking marks the beginning of construction on a headquarters facility that will house U.S. Navy personnel currently based in Seoul at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan.

The relocation of the U.S. Navy headquarters in Korea from Seoul to Busan, scheduled for completion in 2015, will be a phased move of personnel and equipment, balancing costs and efficiencies with mission requirements.

The planned move will place naval leaders and headquarters staffs from the U.S. and Republic of Korea in the same location, which will allow 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.”

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea is the regional commander for the U.S. Navy in the Republic of Korea and provides expertise on naval matters to area military commanders, including the Commander for the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command, and Commander, U.S. Forces Korea.

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Press Release, August 30, 2013; Image: US Navy