U.S. Marines and Navy Sailors Conduct Amphibious Landing Exercises in Puerto Rico

Large-Scale Military Drills on Puerto Rican Shores

PUERTO RICO — The southern coast of Puerto Rico became the stage for a formidable display of U.S. military strength on September 5, as Marines and Navy sailors carried out extensive amphibious training exercises. The maneuvers, centered near the coastal town of Arroyo, saw Landing Craft Air Cushions skim across the waves before unleashing troops and vehicles ashore in a thunderous rehearsal of real-world operations.

The training was part of broader activities conducted by the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which began exercises on the island on August 31. Over the past week, Puerto Ricans in nearby communities have observed waves of drills from sea and air, offering a rare glimpse into the complex coordination required between Navy vessels and Marine expeditionary forces.

What the Exercises Entailed

The sight along Arroyo’s beachfront was a striking one: large hovercraft pushed toward the sand, generating massive plumes of seawater and noise that echoed through surrounding communities. Once grounded, the craft lowered their ramps, allowing squads of Marines to emerge with weapons and tactical gear. These units quickly assembled into formations, moving inland in carefully choreographed maneuvers.

Heavily armored vehicles rolled out alongside the troops, including amphibious transport systems designed to carry personnel further into potential combat zones. Behind them, Navy helicopters circled above, providing simulated aerial cover. The scenario was intended to mirror real-world contingencies in which U.S. forces might need to establish a beachhead in contested environments.

Military officials stated that these amphibious landings serve both as tactical rehearsals and logistical tests, ensuring that equipment functions under varied conditions and that forces maintain mobility from sea to shore.

Historical Context of Amphibious Operations

Amphibious exercises have long been a cornerstone of U.S. military doctrine. During World War II, the ability to storm shores proved decisive across the Pacific campaign, from Iwo Jima to Okinawa. In more recent history, similar tactics were used during the Korean War at Inchon, where a daring amphibious landing shifted the momentum of the conflict.

In Puerto Rico, amphibious training dates back decades. The island’s coastal geography and proximity to both the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean make it a valuable location for such exercises. During the Cold War, U.S. Marines conducted frequent amphibious landings at beaches in Vieques, an island municipality of Puerto Rico, until local protests and environmental concerns ended naval bombardments there in 2003. Today, exercises such as those in Arroyo continue the strategic legacy of the island as a training hub, albeit without the live-fire components that once generated controversy.

Why Puerto Rico Matters Strategically

Puerto Rico occupies a critical location within the Caribbean, serving as a logistical and operational midpoint between the continental United States and Latin America. Its access to deep-water ports, combined with relatively open stretches of shoreline, makes the island suitable for amphibious practice.

The Caribbean region is prone to natural disasters, political instability in certain areas, and maritime security challenges such as narco-trafficking. Amphibious readiness exercises prepare U.S. forces not only for combat, but also for rapid humanitarian response in the wake of hurricanes or earthquakes. Marines trained in amphibious landings can just as easily deploy to deliver aid in isolated areas cut off from conventional infrastructure.

Comparison to Other Training Sites

The Puerto Rico exercises are part of a global network of amphibious training locations used by U.S. forces. In North Carolina, the Marine Corps uses Camp Lejeune as a hub for coastal landings and expeditionary rehearsals. Internationally, Marines frequently join allies for drills in the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters, from Greece to the Philippines.

Compared to those regions, Puerto Rico offers a unique blend of accessibility and strategic positioning. Unlike training sites abroad that require international coordination, Puerto Rico operates under U.S. jurisdiction, simplifying logistics while still offering a distinct environment with challenging terrain, tropical climate, and open seas.

Economic and Social Impact on Puerto Rico

Large-scale military exercises also bring both immediate and long-term economic impacts to host communities. The presence of forces requires transport, lodging, supplies, and logistical support, often leading to temporary boosts for local businesses. Restaurants, hotels, and fuel providers in Arroyo and neighboring towns have all reported increased demand during the training window.

At the same time, residents are mindful of the military’s legacy on the island. While Puerto Rico benefits from investment tied to temporary deployments, memories of environmental strain from past exercises in Vieques remain part of the public discourse. Locals observing the drills mostly expressed curiosity and a degree of pride in seeing elite units training nearby, noting the impressive coordination of hovercraft, vehicles, and aircraft.

Public Reaction and Civilian Response

For many Puerto Ricans, the sudden roar of naval hovercraft engines and helicopters overhead was both startling and fascinating. Spectators gathered along coastal roads in Arroyo to watch the spectacle, capturing photos and videos as Marines stormed the beach. Children waved to troops while parents explained the significance of the exercise.

While most feedback has been supportive, environmental advocates emphasized the importance of conducting drills responsibly to minimize damage to beaches and marine ecosystems. Local leaders have stressed balancing national defense priorities with stewardship of coastal resources.

Broader Military Significance

The exercise carried out by the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit highlights an ongoing emphasis by the U.S. military on flexible, rapid-deployment forces capable of projecting power in coastal regions. Amphibious readiness stands as a critical capability for any potential need—from securing contested territories overseas to responding to natural disasters in the Western Hemisphere.

Defense analysts note that amphibious operations are among the most complex missions militaries undertake, requiring synchronization between ships, aircraft, ground forces, and logistical teams. Exercises like the one in Puerto Rico ensure that these different elements function as a cohesive whole.

Looking Ahead

As the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit continues its scheduled training cycle, Puerto Rico remains poised to host further drills in the future. Military planners view the island as a reliable site for rehearsing scenarios that demand speed, precision, and adaptability. With geopolitical uncertainties continuing across the globe and natural disasters posing recurrent threats in the Caribbean, the skills honed during amphibious operations in Arroyo carry relevance far beyond the sandy shores where troops landed this week.

For the residents who witnessed the exercises, the event was both an extraordinary spectacle and a reminder of Puerto Rico’s enduring role in U.S. defense planning. The combination of historical precedent, modern capability, and regional necessity ensures that amphibious training on the island will remain a vital fixture in military readiness for years to come.