NAVSTA Roosevelt Roads

• Strategic Location: NAVSTA Roosevelt Roads was situated on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, making it a vital Atlantic naval base for the United States Navy during World War II and the Cold War. • Named After President Roosevelt: The base was named in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was instrumental in expanding U.S. naval capabilities in the Caribbean. • Construction Began in 1940: Construction of the base started in 1940, as part of a larger U.S. effort to bolster defenses in the Atlantic region during the early years of World War II. • Massive Size: At its peak, the station covered over 8,500 acres and included an airfield, deep-water port, and numerous support facilities. • Support for Vieques Training: Roosevelt Roads served as the primary support base for the U.S. Navy’s training range on the nearby island of Vieques, playing a crucial role in naval exercises and readiness. • Home to Multiple Commands: The base hosted not only U.S. Navy units but also U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard elements, making it a significant joint operations hub. • Cuban Missile Crisis Role: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Roosevelt Roads played a key role in supporting U.S. naval operations and surveillance missions in the Caribbean Sea. • Humanitarian Missions: The base was frequently used as a staging area for disaster relief and humanitarian missions throughout the Caribbean, including operations following hurricanes and earthquakes. • Controversy and Protests: The use of nearby Vieques for live-fire training led to years of protests and political controversy, ultimately influencing the decision to close the training range and the base itself. • Closure in 2004: NAVSTA Roosevelt Roads officially closed on March 31, 2004, ending over 60 years of service. The site has since been repurposed for commercial and civilian use, with ongoing discussions about its future development.