Puerto Rico Guard joins Venezuela earthquake response

Carolina, Puerto Rico — The Puerto Rico Air National Guard’s 156th Contingency Response Group is supporting humanitarian assistance operations led by U.S. Southern Command in Venezuela following recent earthquakes.

“Our Airmen are prepared to carry out their mission, and the successful execution of all the training we conduct takes on real meaning when we are called upon to support operations like this one. The 156th Wing possesses capabilities that deliver significant impact,” said Col. Evaristo Orengo, commander of the 156th Wing.

The 156th Contingency Response Group is a rapid-response unit that can assess, open, and run airfields in remote or damaged locations, enabling air operations where infrastructure is minimal or compromised. Those capabilities help move supplies, medical equipment, and personnel into affected areas.

Muñiz Air National Guard Base serves as a key logistics hub in the Caribbean, functioning as a staging point and cargo transshipment center for personnel, equipment, and humanitarian aid moving throughout the region.

Last week, Brig. Gen. Carlos J. Rivera Román, the adjutant general of the Puerto Rico National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. Juvencio Méndez met with Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón to brief her on the potential deployment of National Guard Soldiers and Airmen in support of the relief effort.

“Yesterday, the PRNG, in direct support of SOUTHCOM, mobilized an initial group of Airmen from the PRANG CRG to Venezuela. Furthermore, we have approximately 20 additional service members on federal orders, ready to respond if needed. They remain at Muñiz ANG Base, and their potential deployment will depend on emerging operational needs,” Román said.

The Puerto Rico National Guard noted it continues to execute missions at home while remaining ready to support federal assignments designated by the Department of War, underscoring the dual nature of its responsibilities.