Fort Brooke, Puerto Rico facts for kids

Fort Brooke was an important United States Army base built during World War II. It was officially created on March 3, 1943, by something called General Order Number 10. This fort was set up after German U-boats (which were submarines) attacked ships in the Caribbean Sea in 1942. It was part of a bigger plan to protect the area.

Protecting the Caribbean Sea

During the early years of World War II, Puerto Rico became a key place for military operations. It was like a shield, called the Antilles Screen, against German U-boats. These submarines caused a lot of trouble in 1942, sinking 336 ships in the Caribbean.

Why the Caribbean was Important

Ships sailing from South American ports carried vital supplies like gasoline, oil, and bauxite. Bauxite is a rock used to make aluminum. Losing these ships was a big problem for the war effort. Puerto Rico helped the U.S. Navy control the Caribbean. It was a base for planes that protected ships and other military outposts. It also guarded the paths leading to the Panama Canal. Puerto Rico was also a crucial stop for planes, soldiers, and supplies heading to Africa and the Middle East.

U-boat Attacks in 1942

In May 1942, U-boats sank 56 ships in just four months. These ships carried over 248,000 tons of goods across the Caribbean Sea. By the middle of that month, 22% of the ships carrying bauxite were destroyed. Also, 20% of the ships traveling to Puerto Rico were lost. Out of 74 ships meant for the Army in July, 17 had already been sunk.

Why Fort Brooke Was Built

At the start of World War II, President Roosevelt wanted to avoid making other countries in Latin America worried about the U.S. building too many military bases. Instead, he focused on making defenses stronger at both ends of the Panama Canal Zone. He also decided to build an air base and other military spots in Puerto Rico. This island was the main U.S. territory in the Caribbean.

Puerto Rico's Strategic Location

President Roosevelt believed that the chain of islands from New Orleans down to South America formed a natural shield for the Panama Canal. He said these islands were perfect for military planes because of their distance and shape. And of all these islands, Puerto Rico was the most important center.

General Order Number 10

General Order No. 10 was the official command that created Fort Brooke. It stated:

• The historic Headland Castle in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico would be named Fort Brooke.
• It was named in honor of Major General John Rutter Brooke of the United States Army.
• General Brooke was from Pennsylvania and was known as "John Ruller."
• He served during the American Civil War (1861-1865) and the Spanish–American War of 1898.

Life at Fort Brooke

Fort Brooke was located inside Fort San Felipe del Morro, which was an old Spanish fort. It had many different areas for military staff.

What Was Inside the Fort?

The fort included offices for:

• Technicians
• Observers
• Military staff and police
• Music band members
• Workers for the motor pool (where vehicles were kept)
• Medical personnel

Officers' homes were built along the road leading to the castle. There was also an Officers' Club, a swimming pool, and a building called the Bachelor Officers' Quarters (BOQ) for unmarried officers. An outdoor cinema was even built on top of a golf course! The fort also had observation posts, communication centers, and underground areas.

Later Years and Activities

As the war went on, fewer ships were being sunk in the Atlantic. This meant Fort Brooke didn't see much action in its later years. It became a place where soldiers could enjoy sports and other fun activities.

Becoming a Hospital

On August 31, 1944, the United States Department of War issued General Order No. 71. This order changed the Ballajá station, which was part of Fort Brooke, into the Fort Brooke Hospital.

The Armed Forces Entrance Station

After World War II, Fort Brooke continued to play an important role.

• During the Korean War and the Vietnam War, young people from Puerto Rico who were joining the United States Armed Forces came to Fort Brooke.
• They reported to the Armed Forces Examination and Induction Station (AFEIS). Here, they were checked and processed before they went to active duty.
• In 1970, the AFEIS at Fort Brooke was renamed the Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station.
• In 1978, this station moved to a new building in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, close to the Fort Buchanan Army base. It then became a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
• On January 1, 1982, the center was officially named MEPS San Juan.
• In 2013, the Military Entrance Processing Station moved again to a new location at Millennium Park Plaza, also in Guaynabo.