16 JAN 2011
Information Paper: Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
Although Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are close neighbors with only 40 miles
separating the two US Territories, there are vast differences that separate the two.
Language is the chief difference. Puerto Rico is a Spanish speaking land. The majority of
the business is conducted in Spanish to include Commonwealth meetings. Puerto Rico
considers itself a Commonwealth of the United States since it was semi-autonomous under
the Spain prior to the Spanish American War. It keeps close ties with Caribbean, Central
and South American nations. The realignment of Puerto Rico from the US Southern
Command to the US Northern Command area of operations has resulted in a very diverse
mission set for the PR National Guard with support going to both USNORTHCOM and
USSOUTHCOM in addition to their traditional “state role.”
US Southern Command was headquartered at Fort Buchanan in San Juan prior to moving
to Miami. The former SOUTHCOM facilities are now used by the USAR 1st Mission
Support Command. Fort Buchanan is the only federal military installation in Puerto Rico
and the US Virgin Islands. It is inland in San Juan and has significant limitations, the most
prevalent being no APOE/D capability. Although Ft. Buchanan falls under the US Army
Installation Management Command (IMCOM) it is a reserve component installation.
Former USAF Ramey Air Force Base is located near Aguadilla in northwest Puerto Rico
closed. This airfield (Rafael Hernandez) now serves as a regional and international] airport
with a small USCG air station located there (4 aircraft) and other interagency partners.
