A new deputy commander of the Eighth Army of the United States Forces Korea took command Thursday to spearhead efforts to relocate the American troops stationed in the country.

In a change of command ceremony held in the USFK headquarters in Yongsan, central Seoul, Brig. Gen. Tammy Smith took over from Maj. Gen. David Puster as the Eighth Army's deputy commanding general for sustainment.

"Instead of assuming the normal duties of her predecessor in Seoul, Smith will immediately begin work at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek to oversee the arrival of the Eighth Army's subordinate commands in the coming years," the Eighth Army said in a statement.

In a landmark relocation project, Seoul-based USFK is in the process of moving to its new headquarters in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, with the relocation scheduled to be complete by the end of 2017.

The relocation will result in most of the 28,000-strong USFK forces being moved outside of Seoul. The USFK first stationed a large number of troops in the Yongsan district in Seoul following the 1950-53 Korean War.

The incoming Eighth Army deputy chief previously served as the director for human capital enterprise and the deputy chief of staff for the U.S. Army Reserves.

"I will lock elbows with our partners and hold steady in all my responsibilities, ensuring that I fully contribute to the Eighth Army's enduring presence and its readiness to fight tonight," she said. "I will push myself and others to be personally resilient, combat ready, and firm in all responsibilities." (Yonhap)