Established in 2024, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Caribbean District is the 43rd USACE district and serves as the single point of entry for all Corps services in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As part of the South Atlantic Division, our district oversees a multi-billion-dollar Civil Works program and leads efforts in military construction, navigation, emergency response, Interagency and International Services, and environmental restoration. The Caribbean District also serves as the local construction agent for other Corps of Engineer districts operating in the region.

The Caribbean District team is committed to delivering resilient, mission-critical infrastructure while building strong partnerships through effective governance and proactive communication. Whether restoring ecosystems, supporting military readiness, or responding to natural disasters, our district brings world-class engineering and a deep commitment to public service. Everything we do reflects our focus on regional resilience, environmental stewardship, and long-term impact for the communities we serve.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Caribbean District Historic Timeline

1907 – Puerto Rico Office Established:  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers established its first district office for Puerto Rico in Staten Island, New York, under the Eastern Division. This marked the beginning of the Corps’ formal presence in the Caribbean region.

1916 – Northeast Division Transfer: The Puerto Rico office was transferred to the Northeast Division, solidifying its operational role in the region.

1935 – Expansion to Virgin Islands: The Corps of Engineers expanded its operations to include the U.S. Virgin Islands, reflecting the growing strategic importance of the Caribbean.

1941 – Caribbean Division Formation:  The newly renamed Caribbean Division was formed, signaling a more focused approach to regional engineering needs.

1942 – Headquarters Relocated to Puerto Rico:  The headquarters moved from New York to Puerto Rico, establishing a permanent presence on the island.

1946 – Antilles District and Panama District Created: Organizational changes at the Corps of Engineers led to the creation of the Panama District and the renaming of the Puerto Rico District to the Antilles District, both under the South Atlantic Division.

1948 – San Juan Engineer Office Formed: The Antilles District evolved into the San Juan Engineer Office, a suboffice under the Panama District.

1950 – Jacksonville Absorbs Panama District: The Panama District was absorbed by the Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, consolidating responsibilities in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

2023 – Task Force VIPR Established: The Corps of Engineers created Task Force Virgin Islands Puerto Rico (VIPR) to lead civil works and infrastructure projects in the region.

2024 – Enduring Caribbean District Authorized: In January 2024, the Corps of Engineers Commander LTG Scott A. Spellmon authorized the creation of a new enduring district under the South Atlantic Division. This was confirmed in February 2024, marking a new era of engineering excellence in the Caribbean.

2025 – Full Operating Capability Achieved: The Caribbean District reached full operating capability in July 2025, with a mission spanning civil works, military construction, and interagency services across Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other Caribbean nations.