Navy's Southern Command to move to Jacksonville

[bobliocatt]

Mayport gets the Navy's Southern Command

23 January 2004

By GREGORY PIATT

The Times-Union

The Navy today confirmed it will move U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command from Puerto Rico to Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville.

The move of the command, expected to be completed by the end of March, will bring a rear admiral and 60 members of his staff to Jacksonville, Cmdr. Dave Werner, media officer for U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, told The Florida Times-Union.

The command is the naval component of Southern Command, or SOUTHCOM, which is based in Miami and keeps watch on the waters around South America. It also conducts maritime anti-drug and anti-terrorist operations in the region.

"Mayport is the right choice for all the right reasons," said U.S. Rep Ander Crenshaw.

"Having this Command at Mayport underscores the military value of our region, it benefits our national security, and the high caliber people involved will benefit our community."

U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown also hailed the decision saying it could help protect the Mayport Naval Station from the next round of base closings.

Mayport beat out eight Navy bases around the Gulf of Mexico for the command.

[Troy.One]

Yes indeed. It really is a good location it seems - I think Rosy Roads in the PR was a bit outdated. Plus, ya got King's Bay (GA) boomers (trident submarines) less than an hour away! Nice regional concentration of major Navy players.