WASHINGTON (Oct. 4, 2012) -- The Department of the Army announced today the relocation of the 61st Chemical Company, the 62nd Chemical Company, and Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 23rd Chemical Battalion, from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., to the Republic of Korea.

The Chemical Companies will provide Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical reconnaissance, equipment decontamination and consequence management assistance to support military forces. This action supports Headquarters, Department of the Army initiatives involving U.S. forces conducting a sustainable pace of presence operations abroad, including rotational deployments and bilateral and multilateral training exercises.

These activities reinforce deterrence, help to build the capacity and competence of U.S., allied, and partner forces for internal and external defense, strengthen alliance cohesion, and increase U.S. influence.

This force structure change represents an increase of 290 military and zero civilian authorizations within the Republic of Korea and a corresponding decrease in authorizations at Joint Base Lewis McCord. The Army will complete the stationing action by January 16, 2013.

For more information contact the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army at (703) 697-7550.