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SERVING THE BEST TROOPS IN THE WORLD  An Around the World Tour with our United States Armed Forces! Our Troops are stationed all over the world, let's go visit them! Today's stop - US Coast Guard
Air Station Borinquen - Aguadilla, Puerto Rico  Buenos Dias! Welcome to Air Station Borinquen  Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen is located at Rafael Hernandez Airport on the Northwest tip of Puerto Rico. The closest city is Aguadilla, just 10 minutes to the South. The Air Station moved to this location from San Juan in the fall of 1971, at which time the Coast Guard took possession of an outstanding hangar with adjacent support facilities. The primary mission of Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen is search and rescue. Secondary missions include: law enforcement, aerial support for ATON, and logistic support. To accomplish these missions, the Air Station has four HH-65B helicopters. The Air Station is under the operational control of Commander, Coast Guard Sector San Juan (old GANTSEC), located in Old San Juan. The Sector San Juan area of responsibility extends from the western end of Haiti to the mid-Atlantic and from approximately 300 miles southwest of Bermuda to the north coast of South America. Other Coast Guard units in Sector San Juan are: Aids to Navigation Team Puerto Rico, Base San Juan, LEDET One, MSD St. Thomas, MSO San Juan, Reserve Unit San Juan, RIO St. Croix, USCGC's Attu, Nunivak, Ocracoke, Point Ledge, and Vashon. Welcome to AS Borinquen   
The Air Station originally utilized three HU-16 Albatross aircraft and two HH-52A helicopters to effect its search and rescue missions. Three HH-3F helicopters replaced these aircraft in March of 1973. The need for a long range law enforcement reconnaissance aircraft resulted in the addition of three HU-25A Falcon jets to the Air Station’s inventory in late 1983 and early 1984. In 1985, four new HH-65A short range rescue helicopters replaced the three HH-3Fs. The HU-25A Falcon Jets were replaced by the HC-103H Hercules in 1987. The Air Station currently operates three C-130s along with its complement of HH65As. Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic. Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following Columbus' second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and African slaves introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917.  Background: Ramey Air Force Base was an important Strategic Air Command installation in Puerto Rico during the early Cold War, hosting the 72d Bombardment Wing. The 60th Bomb Squadron first operated the B-52 from August of 1959 to June of 1971 while assigned to the 72nd Bomb Wing at Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico. In 1971, B-52 operations ceased at Ramey.  Coast Guard Air Detachment for Desert Storm 1995 - The crew for CG AirDet, Desert Storm: Top row (LtoR): AM3 Charles E. Sexton, AE2 Richard A. Couture, AD1 Donald R. Peterson, AD3 Bion J. Holbrook, AE2 Joel R. Allan Second row: AM3 Roger D. Boone, AE1 Donald H. Taylor, AT3 Robert T. Hodges, AD3 James D. Mosiman, AT3 Sam J. Dube Third row: LT Timothy J. Cunningham, LCDR Joseph M. Touzin, LCDR Robert C. Boetig, LCDR James A. Peoples, AMC Joseph B. Ferguson, ATCS Barry A. Philippy. Bottom row: AM1 Edward D. Bums, AD1 Gary Connolly, AT1 Kenneth E. Wert, AT2 Robert L. Johnson, YN3 Donald R. Chenevert Government Category: unincorporated, organized territory of the US with commonwealth status; policy relations between Puerto Rico and the US conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President of The United States. Flag: five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a large, white, five-pointed star in the center; design initially influenced by the US flag, but similar to the Cuban flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed.  Weather: tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation.  Ethnic groups: white (mostly Spanish origin) 80.5%, black 8%, Amerindian 0.4%, Asian 0.2%, and other 10.9%    Languages: Spanish and English Economy: Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region. A diverse industrial sector has far surpassed agriculture as the primary locus of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty-free access to the US and by tax incentives, US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US minimum wage laws apply. Sugar production has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main source of income in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income, with estimated arrivals of nearly 5 million tourists in 2004. Puerto Rico is truly a spectacular oasis filled with a wealth of history, a vibrant culture, outstanding cuisine, and people that are so warm and welcoming, that one can’t help but fall in love with them and their island.  Enjoy fishing the unspoiled waters of the Caribbean Sea off the South West Coast of Puerto Rico, the waters which are home of one of the largest Dolphin fish runs in the world and excellent Blue Marlin and Wahoo fishing grounds.
Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), is widely regarded as providing anglers with some of the toughest, wiliest and most spectacular fights a fish can provide.
Fishing in Puerto Rico takes many forms, but none is more dramatic than deep sea fishing for billfish. The fishing is good year round and charters are available. Boats range in size from 32' to 50' and the catch varies according to the season. From December to April it includes dorado, mahi-mahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna and white marlin, while in summer blue marlin is king. Winter, which runs roughly from October to early March is the best overall season for dorado, wahoo, white marlin and an occasional sailfish. Blue marlins are always returned to the sea.    Well worth a day trip from San Juan is the incredible 268-acre Camuy Cave Park, two hours southwest of the city. The park is the site of miles of subterranean caverns that were carved out of the limestone by the Camuy River more than a million years ago. Only seven miles (11km) of the caves have yet been fully explored, but 16 entrances have been discovered to what is believed to be the world's largest cave network. Well-maintained walking trails lead visitors down 200 feet (61m) into a fern-filled ravine to explore the cathedral-like caverns. Guided tours are available through one cave and two sinkholes, where you will see stalactites, stalagmites and plenty of bats. The caverns also contain a unique species of blindfish. The park has picnic areas, walking trails, food outlets, an exhibition hall and a souvenir shop.   The Arecibo Observatory is part of the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC), a national research center operated by Cornell University under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF is an independent federal agency whose aim is to promote scientific and engineering progress in the United States. NSF funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. Additional support is provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The Observatory operates on a continuous basis, 24 hours a day every day, providing observing time, electronics, computer, travel and logistic support to scientists from all over the world. All results of research are published in the scientific literature which is publicly available.
As the site of the world's largest single-dish radio telescope, the Observatory is recognized as one of the most important national centers for research in radio astronomy, planetary radar and terrestrial aeronomy. Use of the Arecibo Observatory is available on an equal, competitive basis to all scientists from throughout the world. Observing time is granted on the basis of the most promising research as ascertained by a panel of independent referees who review the proposals sent to the Observatory by interested scientists. Every year about 200 scientists visit the Observatory facilities to pursue their research project, and numerous students perform observations that lead to their master and doctoral dissertations.   La Parguera is one of the most ecologically important regions in Puerto Rico. Its bioluminiscent or phosphorescent bay (Bahía Fosforescente) is one of the most attractive places for tourism and science in Puerto Rico. The bioluminescence phenomenon is observed at night in the calm bay waters, caused by high concentrations of minute bacteria known as dinoflagellates. Tourist trips are available nightly, ranging from inexpensive group tours to chartered romantic sailboats with wine dinners.
For scuba divers, La Parguera Wall runs for over 20 miles at an average distance of six to seven miles from shore. The Wall drops from about 60 to over 1500 feet, with visibility down to about 150 feet. Water temperature averages from 78 F in winter to 85 F in the summer. The mild Caribbean Sea does not have strong currents or underwater surge is the areas around the Wall. All these features combine to entice divers from all over. For the more cautious or less experienced divers, there are many other dive sites closer to shore. Several local companies can provide everything for the scuba diver, from equipment rental to full charter expeditions.   Now headed into its sixteenth edition, the Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest continues to draw international attention and critic’s respect for its “true to jazz” programming and high production standards.
This year’s honoree is Latin Jazz legend Poncho Sanchez who, as conga player and band leader, has taken Latin Jazz to all corners of the world. It is proper to celebrate his achievements in the only festival worldwide whose underlying theme is the “sabor Latino” in Jazz.
The Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest is the premiere event of its kind. The ongoing reach of this musical enterprise--which already links several geographical points in the world's jazz map--attests to this fact. The jewel of Caribbean jazz festivals emphasizes Latin jazz and Puerto Rican styles, but it has matured to include renowned international acts and performers. The top jazz talent represented throughout the history of the festival has established a pinnacle of culture to further the ongoing development of this music on the Island of Enchantment.   The Bacardi Rum Distillery, the largest in the world, is only a 15-minute drive from San Juan and is one of the most popular visitors’ destinations in Puerto Rico.
Visitors are treated to a fascinating guided tour of the facilities at the “Cathedral of Rum.” Everything from the vast fermentation vats to the high-speed bottling machinery is at work and on display. A trolley takes you to the Bacardi family museum, where a history of the product and landmarks in its development are seen. The tour ends at the lofty, bat-like pavilion, which you may have seen if you have gazed across San Juan Bay from the southern walls of the Old City. Here you can sample the world-famous rum and buy souvenirs or a variety of Bacardi products at the gift shop.  There are wide ranges in the quality of food in Puerto Rico. If you know where to look, though, the range doesn't have to be from good rice and beans to bad beans and rice. And the island has drive-by bananas, really! As you are sitting at the huge intersection of #107 and #110, hold a dollar out your car window and a big bunch of ripe bananas will be brought your way before the light changes. Not the most varied of menus, but the service is the fastest on the island!
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Mofongo is a national dish made of mashed plantains and served throughout the island in all types of restaurants. Although plantains look like bananas, they taste more like potatoes. Bananas are also a local staple, and come served a variety of ways. |
| Eclipse Restaurant & Bar is located at the Villa Montana Beach Resort, and you can dine in carefree style steps away from the beach. The Eclipse serves an eclectic menu of Caribbean/European fusion cuisine. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. |
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Jungle Jane's Restaurant, established in 1996, is located at Casa Grande Mountain Retreat. Three separate spaces are available for dining. Jungle Jane's is open for breakfast and dinner daily. Dinner features comidas criolla, typical Puerto Rican dishes, more contemporary cuisine |
For a more casual dining experience offering all of your favorite Mexican dishes including ... different flavored Margaritas, The Blue Iguana Mexican Grill & Bar will certainly satisfy your gastronomic desires. This restaurant also has several TV's including one large screen TV always televising current sports and events. You can also come and play pool.
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Hard Rock Cafe International announced its San Juan Cafe re-opened on Thursday, January 20th of this year. Located in the heart of Old San Juan, the Cafe is housed in a beautiful two-story building, built 300 years ago.
The San Juan Cafe is also home to pieces of memorabilia highlighting the area's rich musical history. Ricky Martin's shirt, a kimono worn by Jennifer Lopez and a black leather jacket from Gloria Estefan have all been added to the Cafe's memorabilia collection.
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| La Terraza Pool bar is surrounded by gardens and palm trees; offers tropical drinks and a light snacks menu, outdoor "al fresco" bar in an informal atmosphere. International and local cuisine are available in the adjacent restaurant. |
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Urban claims to be the hottest club in town... a total different experience! Premium Happy Hour Thu 10pm-midnight, Fri 5pm-12am.
Urban is a sensory experience, restaurant, club, bar, and progressive music every night! |
Buenos dias! We hope you have enjoyed the visit with our Troops! FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT~Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allies military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before. Please remember: The Canteen is a place to honor and entertain our troops. Let's have fun! |
