| 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 âdual-hattedâ 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. |