MAYPORT, Fla. -- A U.S. Navy command dormant since World War II is being re-established and will be based at Mayport Naval Station, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced Thursday.

The U.S. Fourth Fleet will be responsible for Navy ships, aircraft and submarines operating in the Caribbean and Central and South America.

While the announcement does not increase the number of ships based at Mayport, an additional admiral and administrative staff will be based there. Officials told Channel 4's Jim Piggott that the increased profile of the base might be helpful as the Navy decides whether a nuclear aircraft carrier and other ships should be stationed there.

"This announcement is another in a string of recent military developments that reflect the continued growth and potential of Jacksonville's military expansion," said. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Jacksonville.

In January, Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida, said the Navy was expected to make this decision.

"This is great news for Mayport and the state of Florida," said Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Florida. "This decision underscores and enhances the significant role Mayport plays in the national security strategy for our nation."

The Fourth Fleet managed all naval activity in the South Atlantic during World War II, but was disestablished just after the war.

The command will become effective July 1 and be headed by Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan, currently serving as the commander of Naval Special Warfare Command.

Nelson believes the move will bolster efforts to get a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier moved to Mayport -- perhaps the George H.W. Bush, which will be commissioned next year.

"It could make it easier not only to get a nuclear carrier at Mayport, but also a big-deck amphibious ship," Nelson said in January.

City, state and federal leaders -- including Nelson and U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R, Jacksonville) -- began pushing for a new carrier for Mayport even before last year's retirement of the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy.

An environmental assessment on the future of Mayport Naval Statement is currently under review.

Earlier this week, the Navy announced that Northrop Grumman's St. Augustine facility had received a $1.16 billion contract that ensures NAS Jacksonville's importance in the Navy's maritime surveillance community. [Full Story]

"This decision further confirms the concept that I have been saying for the past five years, that Latin America and the Caribbean is a crucial region that has the hotspots in the region that pose a threat to our national security," said Crenshaw.