U.S. Service Members Assaulted at Vieques Training Range
Story Number: NNS030115-02
Release Date: 1/15/2003 9:30:00 AM
From NAVSOUTH Public Affairs
PUERTO RICO (NNS) -- As the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Battle Group commenced its Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) at the Vieques Inner Training Range, Jan. 13, service members supporting the training ashore came under attack from assailants opposed to the exercises.
There were no injuries, although rocks propelled by slingshots struck vehicles and a security tower. Earlier, three unidentified persons were spotted trespassing onto the Vieques range the night of Jan. 9, but not caught. The next morning, naval security forces detained five trespassers.
Since Dec. 27, more than 840 feet of security fence has been cut, with five feet cut Jan. 13, after U.S. Navy officials notified the Government of Puerto Rico of the impending exercises, in accordance with the 1983 Memorandum of Understanding.
Fence repair since that date cost approximately $84,000. This is added to the more than $3 million taxpayer dollars expended to repair federal property damaged by vandals since May of 2000.
The Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group is conducting its normal pre-deployment training, approximately two weeks earlier than previously scheduled. Upon successful completion of training, the Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group will assume responsibilities as the U.S. Atlantic Fleet’s surge carrier. While the battle group will be ready to deploy earlier if required, its regularly scheduled spring deployment date remains unchanged.
The exercise itself will be conducted in the open ocean North and South Puerto Rican Operating Areas and involves complex battle group training events, naval surface fire support training and air-to-ground events. All exercises using the live impact area on Vieques use non-explosive ordnance in accordance with presidential directives.
Secretary of the Navy Gordon R. England signed a letter of certification to Congress Jan. 3 confirming that as planned, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps will cease military training on the Vieques Inner Range by May 1, 2003. The Department of the Navy has identified training alternatives that will collectively provide equivalent or superior training to the options provided by the island of Vieques.
The Navy and Marine Corps will conduct future military training of east coast units at existing continental U.S. ranges and facilities. Additionally, the Navy and Marines intend to maximize the use of enhanced training technologies.
The Navy plans to fund more than $400 million in improvements over the next few years to enhance and improve these future training scenarios. These improvements are included in the training resource strategy and will continue to evolve with new technologies and range developments.
