The reactivation of the U.S. Navy's Fourth Fleet last year is now completed by the chain of seven bases that can be used by SOUTHCOM whenever it is deemed convenient. Of course, the White House and the Palacio de Nariño--the home of the Colombian president--are working to maintain the argument that none of these bases will in fact be U.S. military bases; they will continue to be under the control of the Colombian state and armed forces; there will be no increase in the 800 U.S. soldiers and 600 contractors that are currently operating in the country.