The Puerto Rico State Guard’s (State Defense Force) 900th Medical Command has recently taken part in two major missions that highlight their dual commitment to supporting the people of Puerto Rico and working alongside U.S. military forces.
In July 2025, the unit participated in “Salud Eres Tú,” a public health mission conducted in partnership with the Puerto Rico Department of Health. Held in the municipality of Manatí, the operation provided free medical services to local residents. Soldiers from the 900th Medical Command offered specialized care in pulmonology, gynecology, family medicine, physician assistants, and specialized nursing. The mission was designed to ensure that underserved communities received critical healthcare at no cost, strengthening both individual well-being and community resilience. This type of mission mirrors those performed by other State Defense Forces, such as the Texas State Guard’s long-running “Operation Border Health Preparedness,” which delivers no-cost medical services to underserved populations along the Texas border. Both efforts underscore how State Defense Forces are uniquely positioned to deliver life-saving care to communities in need.
Following this mission, the 900th Medical Command demonstrated its military readiness during “Caribbean Thunder,” a 1st Mission Support Command (1st MSC)-led collective training exercise focused on inter-island sustainment in support of Large-Scale Combat Operations. Conducted from July 31 to August 7, 2025, the exercise spanned eight locations across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and brought together more than 1,100 Soldiers, Airmen, Guardsmen, and Marines under a single training umbrella. Caribbean Thunder is designed as an annual home-station event that sharpens warfighting readiness and the ability to respond to crisis or conflict, while also rehearsing island-chain mobilization, signal communications, and logistics. The 900th Medical Command supported the U.S. Army Reserve’s 348th Unit at Camp Santiago, Salinas, where medical personnel monitored troop health, prevented heat-related injuries such as dehydration and heatstroke, and treated sprains and other conditions stemming from the high operational tempo and summer heat. In recognition of their professionalism and dedication, the unit received a Challenge Coin from the Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Reserve element they supported.
Caribbean Thunder 2025 showcased a wide array of joint and interagency training lanes—from Individual Weapons Qualification ranges to logistics and maneuver—illustrated by events such as military police controlling live-fire lines and Marines and Army Reserve soldiers conducting integrated weapons training. The training area also featured the use of modern platforms like the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, and it leveraged the unique fact that Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are the only U.S. Army Reserve-controlled training spaces where units can repeatedly practice contested inter-island transportation, logistics, and communications. In parallel with the core scenarios, 1st MSC also synchronized engineering projects and Innovative Readiness Training missions across other Caribbean islands, enhancing both operational capability and regional resilience.
The broader Caribbean Thunder series has repeatedly highlighted critical enabler units that sustain operations and protect force health. During Caribbean Thunder 2024, for example, the 973rd Quartermaster Company—renowned for water purification and distribution—supported the exercise while demonstrating capabilities that proved indispensable during past crises. The 973rd’s track record includes producing roughly 1.5 million gallons of potable water for Puerto Rico’s residents after Hurricane Maria in 2017, using Tactical Water Purification Systems to meet urgent humanitarian needs. Their continuing participation in the Caribbean Thunder portfolio reinforces how logistics and health protection underpin readiness in both combat and disaster-response contexts.
These missions also reflect a broader role played by State Defense Forces across the nation. Like the Puerto Rico State Guard, many State Defense Forces augment their state National Guard and collaborate with federal units, including the Active Component. A prime example is the Tennessee State Guard’s 61st Medical Battalion, which regularly trains and operates alongside the Tennessee Army National Guard and U.S. Army medical units to preserve soldier health and readiness—an approach that mirrors the 900th Medical Command’s support to the U.S. Army Reserve throughout Caribbean Thunder.
Together, these efforts highlight the vital role of State Defense Forces in bridging the gap between civilian support missions and military operations. Whether caring for local communities through no-cost medical outreach or supporting the U.S. military in complex multi-island exercises, the Puerto Rico State Guard’s 900th Medical Command continues to demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to service.
During today, soldiers of the 900 Medical Command of the GNPR State Command participated in a mission together with the Puerto Rico Health Department, “Salud Eres Tú”, where medical services and evaluations were offered in the municipality of Manati. The Medical Command provided specialized services in Pneumology, Gynecology, Family Medicine, Medical Assistance (PA) and Specialized Nursing.
You are a resilient military force! With their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment, they bring health and hope to our people. Thank you for your services, today Puerto Rico is stronger and healthier.
Today, soldiers from the 900th Medical Command participated in a mission with the Puerto Rico Department of Health, “Salud Eres Tú”, providing medical services and evaluations in the municipality of Manatí.
The Medical Command offered specialized services in Pulmonology, Gynecology, Family Medicine, Physician Assistants (PA), and Specialized Nursing.
You are a resilient military force! Through your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment, you bring health and hope to our people. Thank you for your service. Puerto Rico is stronger and healthier today.
Between July 31 and August 7, 2025, soldiers of the 900 Medical Command of the State Command of the National Guard of Puerto Rico were mobilized to provide medical support to the Unit 348 of the US Army Reserve during the military exercise “Caribbean Thunder” at Camp Santiago, Salinas , Puerto Rico.
As part of their responsibilities, the assigned medical personnel were in charge of monitoring the well-being of soldiers and preventing heat strokes, dehydration, sprains and other medical conditions resulting from high temperatures.
Command Sergeant Major (CSM) of Unit 348 presented a Challenge Coin as a token of appreciation for the commitment, dedication and professionalism shown. We recognize and thank our soldiers for their valuable contribution and firm commitment during this mission of support.
From July 31 to August 7, 2025, soldiers from the 900th Medical Command of the Puerto Rico State Guard Command were mobilized to provide medical support to the 348th Unit of the U.S. Army Reserve during the “Caribbean Thunder” military exercise at Camp Santiago, Salinas, Puerto Rico.
As part of their responsibilities, the assigned medical personnel were in charge of monitoring the soldiers’ well-being and preventing heat strokes, dehydration, sprains, and other medical conditions resulting from high temperatures.
The Command Sergeant Major (CSM) of the 348th Unit presented a Challenge Coin as a token of appreciation for the commitment, dedication, and professionalism demonstrated. We recognize and thank our soldiers for their valuable contribution and steadfast commitment during this support mission.
Sources: DVIDS – DVIDS – US Air Force – US Army Reserve – Puerto Rico State Guard
