[Yobhap, Aug. 29] U.S. Naval Forces Korea breaks ground for new headquarters (Fwd)

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[Yobhap, Aug. 29] U.S. Naval Forces Korea breaks ground for new headquarters

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/photo/2100000001.html

South Korean and U.S. military top brass, including Vice Adm. Robert Thomas Jr. (4th from L), the commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, attend a ceremony to break ground for a new headquarters for the U.S. Naval Forces Korea in Busan, 450 km southeast of Seoul, on Aug. 29, 2013. U.S. naval forces are currently based at the U.S. Army Garrison in Seoul. The new facility is expected to be completed in 2015. Some 28,500 American soldiers are stationed in Korea as a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War. (Yonhap) (END)

This is an artist's rendering of a new headquarters for the U.S. Naval Forces Korea whose ground-breaking ceremony was held in Busan, 450 km southeast of Seoul, on Aug. 29, 2013. U.S. naval forces are currently based at the U.S. Army Garrison in Seoul. The new facility is expected to be completed in 2015. Some 28,500 American soldiers are stationed in Korea as a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War. (Yonhap) (END)

You may note that Busan, located at the southwestern part of main land of Korea is close to Jeju. The below is the translated excerpt from the Voice of People.

The Busan People’s Solidarity composed of about 40 civic social groups in Busan, having a rally in front of the ROK Baekwoonpo Naval Operation Headquarter (where the USFK Naval Commander would be built), Busan, stated its position on “absolute opposition on the thief installation of the USFK Naval Commander headquarter in Yongho-dong,” at 3 pm, Aug. 29.

The Busan People’s Solidarity stated that “[the USFK], suddenly having a ground-breaking ceremony without any consultation in the metro city of Busan with 4 million population, is to enforce construction.” 

It criticized that "even this year, the crimes by the United States Forces of Korea, such as robbery, rape, violence on police, have been constant. The USFK base has been the main criminal for the environmental contamination. The biggest detest facility of Korea should not be entered into Busan.” 

It also stated that “organizing a pan-civic campaign headquarter, we will stage a campaign against the installation of US military base in Busan, which causes crime zone, environmental contamination.” It warned that “we will also inquire the responsibility of Heo Nam-Sik, Busan mayor to abandon the Busan citizens’ rights to safety, health and property.” 

Kim Byung-Gyu, policy director of the Busan people’s Solidarity said that ‘ it is monstrous to hear that the USFK naval headquarter is to be relocated to Baekwoonpo, Busan, not to mention the entry of nuclear aircraft carrier and nuclear submarines whenever there is annual ROK-US military training. “

Other reference articles

http://news.xinhuanet.com/.../2013-08/26/c_132664059.htm

U.S. Naval Forces Korea to start base relocation

2013-08-26 16:23:47

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."

http://www.stripes.com/news/navy/navy-breaking-ground-on-new-korean-hq-as-part-of-consolidation-1.237526

Navy breaking ground on new Korean HQ as part of consolidation

Aug 27

“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,” a Navy statement said.

Moving personnel and equipment from the current headquarters in Seoul will occur in phases, “balancing costs and efficiencies with mission requirements,” and is scheduled to be completed by 2015, the statement said.

Approximately 85 of the more than 450 Navy personnel in South Korea are assigned to the headquarters.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/yonhap-news-agency/130826/us-naval-forces-korea-break-ground-new-headquarters-busan

U.S. Naval Forces Korea to break ground for new headquarters in Busan Aug. 26

(source)