SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - The Puerto Rico National Guard's Marine Transportation Unit on Wednesday was transporting heavy equipment for debris removal to the island municipality of Vieques to help with repairs after the damage from Sunday's Tropical Storm Irene.
The three boats used in the missions not only transported military equipment but also brought heavy equipment to increase civilian support for the recovery effort in Vieques. Civilians with special needs were also transported back to the big island.
"We are proud to be the only National Guard in the American nation that has this type of boat," said Army Maj. Gen. Antonio J. Vicéns, adjutant general. "These boats have already been demonstrated in the past to be very useful in emergencies."
The National Guard also was involved Wednesday in a mission to transport water from the floor of the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority in Angola Caguas Industrial Park to the base at Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba for the Coordinating Agency established that area.
The Puerto Rico National Guard will continue to provide support with equipment and trained personnel to the affected municipalities in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene as long as necessary.
"This way, we will ensure that the country's recovery process will be faster and more effective for the good of all Puerto Ricans," Vicéns said.