What is your take, on the decline of our Military presence, around Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, over the past 40 years?

SPC Joseph F Dolloff — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:14:55 -0500

I've noticed that over the past 40 years, the military presence, in the Caribbean, specifically the US Virgin Islands, has declined sharply. The islands would benefit, in the past, through the St Thomas Sub Base, or larger vessels, that did port calls, at the different islands. It seems tough to convince cruise ship lines, to stop at some of the islands, when even the military won't anymore. I'm just wondering if the doors open up in Cuba, what will happen to my Caribbean homeland?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2015 9:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 09:39:43 -0500

I was stationed at Fort Buchanan Puerto Rico for the last three years. If you have some free time Google the battle of Vieques. Essentially a vocal anti-U.S. minority (the Green Party) under the guise of environmentalism lobbied to get the Navy to give up the training area on the island of Vieques. Without the Vieques training center it was not viable for the Navy to maintain a presence in the Caribbean. So along with the Vieques training center The Navy also closed Roosevelt roads the then largest military installation in the Caribbean. There is still a fairly large reserve force in the Caribbean The first mission support command.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2015 9:44 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 09:44:54 -0500

I would spend at least three weeks a year in Puerto Rico flying missions out of Muniz and no they are slim to none. I miss those days.

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Jan 21 at 2015 7:57 AM

SFC Nikhil Kumra — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 07:57:52 -0500

It's a waste of tax payer dollars and we don't need it.

Response by LCDR Jamie Galus made Jan 24 at 2015 8:35 PM

LCDR Jamie Galus — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 20:35:46 -0500

From the naval perspective, once Vieques was closed (upon the urging of people who didn't rely on the Navy for their livelihood and who didn't even live on the island) NS Roosevelt Roads was destined to close. We still do have ships in 4th Fleet conducting CD OPS with the USCG and C4F still is conducting Southern Partnership cruises to Central and South America.
Personally, I loved Rosie Roads. It was a great base with great facilities and beaches. Don's Lighthouse was always a great place to grab a cocktail.