The Navy announced Wednesday its operational command is to be relocated to Busan this year to enhance combat readiness.
The Naval Operational Command is now located in Jinhae, a southern port city known for its topographic advantages. But the waters off the coast of Jinhae are said to be too shallow to accommodate brand-new huge vessels, Navy officials said.
In addition, the 3rd Fleet Command, currently in Busan, will be transferred to Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, around December, a Navy spokesman said.
``We took into account how we can utilize ports in Busan and Mokpo to carry out joint naval operations with the United States more effectively,'' the spokesman said.