Photo By Spc. Airam Amaro-Millan | U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Edwardo Davila (left), a carpentry and masonry specialist, and...... read more read more
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VIEQUES, Puerto Rico – Soldiers from the 471st Engineer Company (EVCC), 1st Mission Support Command, participate in an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) mission with a focus on readiness, renovation, and community service at the Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport in Vieques, Puerto Rico, from July 14 until Aug. 11, 2025.
“We’re enhancing the line of sight for the runway and reinforcing safety,” said U.S. Army Reserve 1st Lt. Josue Lebron, the officer in charge of the 471st EVCC first rotation in Vieques.
The mission consists of clearing 36 acres of vegetation and repairing over 300 feet of fence to improve the visibility and perimeter security of the airport. Improvements are handled by a mix of heavy equipment operators, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, split between their horizontal and vertical engineer platoons.
According to Lebron, this IRT project was requested by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. This mission provides real-time mobilization training opportunities for Soldiers, such as mustering, readying, and deploying equipment and Soldiers, and integrating into a higher headquarters. Soldiers also established a full base camp to support around 60 troops from different units participating in the mission.
“As we expose our Soldiers to austere environments, we provide realistic training and prepare them for not having luxuries from back home like running water,” said 1st Sgt. Isaias Diaz, the 471st EVCC senior enlisted advisor. “We learn to sustain ourselves as individuals and as a unit, as well as hands-on training allows us to assess our talent management.”
Transporting equipment and personnel from the main island to Vieques involved logistical challenges, including ferry delays and space and weight constraints of moving heavy machinery.
“Challenges have been faced and addressed one at a time,” said Diaz. “…the transportation of equipment and materials was not as fast as we expected, but with great collaboration from both island shores and ferry support, we managed to bring it in an orderly manner, with no loss of personnel and equipment.”
The community’s support has been key to the mission.
“From local leaders to small business owners, everyone’s been welcoming,” said Lebron. “That connection reminds our Soldiers this work matters.”
As IRT delivers value to local communities, it also instills pride and purpose in its participants.
“This is what readiness looks like,” Lebron said. “This isn’t just about completing a checklist—it’s about making a real difference.”
| Date Taken: | 07.23.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.07.2025 11:50 |
| Story ID: | 543997 |
| Location: | VIEQUES, PR |
| Web Views: | 199 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Building Readiness, Strengthening Communities at Vieques, Puerto Rico, by SGT Jofenell RuizFebus, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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