The United States Armed Forces confirmed that since August 31st, they have been conducting flight operations and amphibious training south of Puerto Rico, as part of the military exercises of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU). In a statement, they specified that these maneuvers are “the pillar of naval integration and an essential competence of the 22nd MEU,” as they facilitate the rapid deployment of Marines from ships to the coast, supporting the strategic security objectives of the United States.
The military institution added that these operations also represent an opportunity for cooperation with the Puerto Rico National Guard, by taking advantage of the existing military installations on the island.“The challenging terrain and tropical climate of Puerto Rico offer the ideal environment for realistic amphibious training and perfecting skills such as patrolling, reconnaissance, and survival techniques, ensuring a high level of readiness during advanced deployment,” the statement noted.
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The announcement coincides with recent statements by the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety (DSP), Arturo Garffer Croly, who did not rule out the possibility of reactivating military installations such as the former Roosevelt Roads base in Ceiba, and land abandoned by the Navy in Vieques, given the increase in tensions between the United States and Venezuela, and the growing presence of Russia and China in the Caribbean. Garffer highlighted that Puerto Rico is “very well positioned” to support U.S. national security due to its strategic infrastructure, which includes deep ports and high-capacity runways such as the Rafael Hernández International Airport in Aguadilla. “Everything is on the table,” he affirmed, although he clarified that reopening firing ranges in Vieques is not being considered. For her part, Governor Jenniffer González Colón maintained that she does not support military exercises in Vieques or Culebra, although she did not rule out that existing facilities in Puerto Rico could be used for training. The Armed Forces assured that the current exercises are carried out in a “safe manner and with minimal impact on the local community,” after coordinating with government authorities, emergency services, and the National Guard. However, they anticipated that the public will be able to observe an increase in military personnel in tactical equipment and aircraft operations in the area.
