Puerto Rico continues to serve as a strategically important location for U.S. military operations in the Caribbean. The island hosts a mix of active installations focused on training, logistics, disaster response, humanitarian aid, and regional readiness.
While Puerto Rico no longer has large permanent active-duty combat bases like it did decades ago, recent developments in 2025–2026 have increased activity, including the reactivation of portions of former major sites.
These facilities primarily support the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, National Guard, Air National Guard, and Coast Guard, with rotational use by other branches for exercises and operations.
Recent Developments in Puerto Rico’s Military Presence (2025–2026)
Puerto Rico’s location has led to renewed U.S. military investment and activity. Key highlights include:
- Significant infrastructure upgrades at Fort Buchanan, including new barracks and a modern operations center.
- Reactivation of the José Aponte de la Torre Airport at the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station for air operations, training, and staging.
- Increased joint training exercises involving Marines, Air Force assets (including F-35s), and other units.
- Continued emphasis on disaster response, counter-narcotics support, and regional readiness.
These changes reflect a strategic focus on Caribbean operations rather than a full return to Cold War-era permanent basing.
Summary of U.S. Military Installations in Puerto Rico (2026)
| Base / Facility | Location | Branch / Component | Primary Role | Status (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Santiago | Salinas | Joint (Army, National Guard, Reserve) | Training & staging | Active |
| Fort Buchanan | Guaynabo/San Juan | U.S. Army Garrison | Support, training, disaster response | Active (modernizing) |
| Fort Allen | Juana Diaz | Army National Guard / Reserve | Reserve training & support | Active |
| Muñiz Air National Guard Base | San Juan | Air National Guard | Air mobility & humanitarian aid | Active |
| USCG Air Station Borinquen | Aguadilla | U.S. Coast Guard | Search & rescue, law enforcement | Active |
| Roosevelt Roads (José Aponte de la Torre Airport) | Ceiba | Multi-branch (air ops) | Training, staging, logistics | Reactivated 2025 |
| Ramey Area Support | Aguadilla | Support / Coast Guard | Air operations & maneuvers | Partial / coordinated use |
Army Bases In Puerto Rico
Camp Santiago
Location: Salinas, PR
In Use: 1940-present
Overall Mission: Camp Santiago is a major joint training and staging facility used by the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, Puerto Rico National Guard, and allied forces. It supports a wide range of training exercises, including unmanned aerial systems operations and large-scale maneuvers.
Units / Activity: Primarily training-focused; frequently hosts rotational units from multiple branches for readiness exercises.
How to Learn More: Check official National Guard or Army announcements for training schedules.
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Fort Buchanan
Location: San Juan, PR
In Use: 1923-present
Overall Mission: Multiple branches and components use the installation for training and support activities.
The base also serves as a support system for locals during natural disasters, such as hurricanes.
The base is mostly used to house U.S. Army reserve units but it does have several units stationed here.
Units Stationed:
- 1/350th Logistics Support Battalion
- 174th Ctr Legal Operations Detachment
- 1st Battalion, 389th Regiment
- 2-348th Battalion
- 265 Headquarters, 5th Brigade, 94th TR
- U.S. Marine Corps Detachment 1, Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 45
Official Site: https://home.army.mil/buchanan/
Fort Allen
Location: Juana Diaz, PR
In Use: 1941-present
Overall Mission: The base originated as a staging point for the Army Air Corps during World War 2.
Since 1980, there have been no active duty units from any branch of the Armed Forces stationed here.
This is where the Puerto Rico National Guard and Army Reserve has several units.
Units Stationed:
- 191st Regional Support Group
- 240th Military Police Company
- 192nd Support Battalion, C Company (Med)
- 105th Quartermaster Company
- 482nd Chemical Company
- 714th Quartermaster Company
Official Site: N/A
Air Force / Air National Guard Bases In Puerto Rico
Muñiz ANG Base
Location: San Juan, PR
In Use: 1956-present
Overall Mission: This is where the Puerto Rican Air National Guard is headquartered.
The base also serves as a humanitarian aid station for local natural disasters.
The base serves as a rally and distribution point for the U.S. Armed Forces during wartime.
Units Stationed:
- 156th Wing (ANG)
Official Site: https://www.156wg.ang.af.mil/
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Coast Guard Bases In Puerto Rico
USCG Air Station Boriquen
Location: Aguadilla, PR
In Use: 1971-present
Overall Mission: The main goal of the base is search and rescue in the surrounding areas.
The base also provides logistic, aerial, and law enforcement services and support for any operations in the area.
It was an important staging point in wartime for the U.S. Armed Forces and its allies.
Official Site: https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-7/Units/Air-Station-Borinquen/
Reactivated / Additional Facilities
Roosevelt Roads Naval Station (José Aponte de la Torre Airport)
Location: Ceiba, PR
In Use: 1943–2004 (closed), reactivated November 2025–present
Overall Mission: Once a major Navy base, portions of it have been reactivated for air operations, training, logistics, and staging. It supports multi-branch activities, including F-35 operations and Marine exercises. Much of the original land remains under Puerto Rico control, with military use focused on the airport and select areas through agreements.
Recent Activity: F-35s, Ospreys, and other aircraft have operated from here. It has hosted training and supported regional readiness efforts.
Note: This is not a full traditional base reopening but targeted reactivation for current strategic needs.
Ramey Area / Rafael Hernández Airport (Aguadilla)
Portions of the former Ramey Air Force Base area continue to support air operations, often in coordination with USCG Air Station Borinquen.
Other Supporting Sites
- Coast Guard Station San Juan: Maritime security and search-and-rescue operations.
- Scattered Puerto Rico National Guard training sites across the island.
What People Get Wrong About Military Bases in Puerto Rico
A common misconception is that Puerto Rico hosts large active-duty bases from every military branch.
In reality, current installations primarily support the Army, National Guard, and Coast Guard, with no permanent Navy or Marine Corps bases.
Some people assume that all military facilities in Puerto Rico house active-duty combat units.
Several installations are used mainly for training, reserve operations, staging, or emergency response rather than permanent active-duty assignments.
Another misunderstanding is that Puerto Rico’s military role is limited to local or regional missions.
The island’s location allows installations to support broader U.S. and allied operations, particularly in logistics, disaster response, and maritime security.
There is also confusion about the age and relevance of these bases.
While some facilities have long histories, they continue to operate under modern mission requirements and updated organizational structures.
Finally, some believe military installations in Puerto Rico are inactive unless a major conflict occurs.
Many facilities maintain ongoing readiness activities, training schedules, and support functions during peacetime.
How to Learn More or Visit These Installations
Most bases have limited public access for security reasons.
- Step 1: Visit the official websites listed above for each installation.
- Step 2: For official business (as a reservist, veteran, or family member), contact the Public Affairs Office.
- Step 3: Check installation websites or National Guard channels for announcements about community events or open houses (when available).
- Step 4: Always follow base access rules, as unannounced visits are not permitted.
Tip: Many facilities support local disaster response and may participate in public events during holidays or major exercises.
Puerto Rico’s military installations play a vital role in Caribbean readiness, training, and humanitarian efforts. The 2025–2026 updates show continued strategic importance for the region.
If you’re a service member, veteran, or family member stationed in or connected to Puerto Rico, these bases offer key support services.
Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions or personal experiences at these installations!
- About the Author
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Craig spent many years on active duty service in the Air Force stationed in such places as Okinawa, Japan and SAC Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. While in the military, he spent time analyzing imagery from a variety of aircraft such as the SR-71.
He was also one of the first enlisted members in the Air Force to experience working with near real time satellite imagery. Craig currently resides in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and runs his own business. Connect with him via his LinkedIn profile.