FORT BUCHANAN: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Introduction

Welcome to Fort Buchanan, the Sentinel of the Caribbean and the only federal military installation in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean! Fort Buchanan sits in the metropolitan area of San Juan, capital of Puerto Rico and supports a number of tenant activities, most of them branches from the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Component, the U.S. Navy Reserve Navy Operations Support Center Puerto Rico and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. The Puerto Rico National Guard is also present on base. It’s a great place to live and work, with a long history dating back to the late 1800s. The post employs approximately 130,000 military personnel, their dependents, retirees, civilian personnel and veterans., and covers about 750 acres in the heart of San Juan in Puerto Rico. The military installation traces its roots back to 1899 when the Puerto Rico Regiment of Infantry, United States Army was established. Lt. Col. James Buchanan took command of the regiment in 1901 and the base was renamed Fort Buchanan after him in 1940. After World War II, the post was gradually reduced to its current size of 746 acres. Fort Buchanan remained a command depot with post facilities, a personnel center and a special training center until closure as an Army post in 1966. On Dec. 31, 1966, with the deactivation of the Antilles Command, Fort Buchanan passed to the control of the U.S. Navy. After changing control a number of times, in 2008 the post moved under the United States Northern Command area of operation, under the direct control of the Installation Management Command, Atlantic Region, where it sits today. Continue reading for an in-depth guide to help aid you in your transition to living and working on Fort Buchanan. 1. Where Is Fort Buchanan? 2. Google Map View 3. Getting There – Directions to the Post 4. Entering Fort Buchanan and Post Amenities

• Check-In Procedures for Incoming Personnel
• Fort Buchanan Visitor Center
• Fort Buchanan DEERS Office
• Fort Buchanan Gate Hours
• Fort Buchanan Commissary
• Fort Buchanan PX
• Fort Buchanan Barber Shops
• Fort Buchanan Post Office
• Fort Buchanan Finance Office
• Fort Buchanan Legal Office
• Fort Buchanan Library
• Fort Buchanan Hotels

5. Where Should I Live Near Fort Buchanan? 6. What Schools Are Near Fort Buchanan? 7. What’s the Weather Like in Fort Buchanan? 8. Things To Do Near Fort Buchanan

Where Is Fort Buchanan?

Fort Buchanan Visitor Control Center

Patriot Boulevard Bldg. 152 Fort Buchanan, PR 00934

Phone

: 1 (787) 707-3995

Fort Buchanan Map

Fort Buchanan Directions

Public Transportation

Public transportation is available throughout the San Juan metropolitan area. The Department of Transportation and Public Works has a network of 30 bus routes throughout the area, including Toa Baja, Cataño, Bayamón, Guaynabo, San Juan and Carolina. A light rail line (Tren Urbano) connects three municipalities (San Juan, Guaynabo, and Bayamón).

Flights to San Juan, PR

The closest airport to Fort Buchanan is San Juan Airport. It’s about 10 miles from the front gates of Fort Buchanan. The airport is served by nearly all major international airlines via daily direct or connecting flights.

Driving Directions to Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico

1. If you drive from the airport, you will get on Marginal Aeropuerto from Puente Teodor Moscoco.
2. Take the Avenida Jesus T. Pinero/PR-17 toward Avenida Escorial for six miles.
3. Turn right on Avenida Escorial and left onto Avenida Franklin Delano Roosevelt/PR-23.
4. Continue onto PR-165/PR-24
5. Turn right toward Marginal John F. Kennedy.
6. Marginal John F. Kennedy becomes Calle Munet Court.
7. From there, turn left onto PR-165/PR-24 and right onto Depot Road.
8. Take Patriot Way to the Main Gate to enter Fort Buchanan.

Fort Buchanan Transportation Office

Fort Buchanan Transportation Office

Patriot Boulevard Bldg. 152 Fort Buchanan, PR 00934

Phone

: 1 (787) 707-4003

Fort Buchanan Transportation Office Hours

• Monday through Friday

  - 0700 to 1600

Entering Fort Buchanan and Post Amenities

If you don’t yet have a DOD-issued identification, you will be subject to a background check at the Visitor Control Center before you’re allowed to enter Fort Buchanan. Click here to learn more about where to go.

Check-In Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Upon arrival, all permanently assigned soldiers report to the Military Personnel Division in the Welcome Center with their DA Form 31 and PCS orders. Personnel will sign Soldiers in from leave, assist with billeting and give instruction about when to return for in-processing. Installation in-processing is conducted Monday through Friday for all permanent party Soldiers. New arrivals are briefed by several agencies on programs, assistance and services available on post.

Fort Buchanan Military Personnel Division

Patriot Boulevard Bldg. 152 Fort Buchanan, PR 00934

Phone

: 1 (787) 707-3938

Fort Buchanan Military Personnel Division Hours

• Monday through Friday:

  0700 - 1600

Fort Buchanan Visitor Center

Fort Buchanan Visitor Control Center

Patriot Boulevard Bldg. 152 Fort Buchanan, PR 00934

Phone

: 1 (787) 707-3995

Fort Buchanan Visitor Control Center Hours

• Monday through Friday

  - 0700 to 1600

Note

: Vehicle Search Area is open 24/7.

DEERS Fort Buchanan

The Fort Buchanan DEERS Office is an appointment-based system. Update DEERS due to marriage, divorce, birthday or death. You can also renew or get issued your CAC/ID cards. To schedule an appointment, click here.

Fort Buchanan DEERS Office

Patriot Boulevard Bldg. 152 Fort Buchanan, PR 00934

Phone

: 1 (787) 707-3938

Fort Buchanan DEERS Office Hours

• Monday through Friday

  - 0700 to 1600

Fort Buchanan Main Gate Hours

There are two gates that provide access to Fort Buchanan.

• Borinqueneers’ Gate (Main Gate)

  - Open 24/7.

• Spc. Frances M. Vega Gate

  - Open 0600 to 1800 Monday through Saturday.

Fort Buchanan Commissary

The Fort Buchanan Commissary lets you save your hard-earned dollars when shopping for groceries at the commissary. In-store amenities and specialties include a deli, special orders for produce trays, bagger-less checkout, online ordering with curbside pickup and more.

Fort Buchanan Commissary

South Terminal Road Fort Buchanan, PR 00962

Phone

: 1 (787) 707-2078

Fort Buchanan Commissary Hours

• Monday

  - Closed

• Tuesday through Saturday

  - 0900 to 1900

• Sunday

  - 0900 to 1800

Fort Buchanan PX

The Fort Buchanan Exchange offers an assortment of health and beauty care, small appliances, electronics, toys and more. There is also an ATM, DVD rentals and 24-hour gas pumps.

Fort Buchanan Exchange

North Terminal Road Bldg. 689 Fort Buchanan, PR 00934

Phone

: 1 (787) 792-8989

Fort Buchanan Exchange Hours

• Sunday and Monday

  - 0900 to 1700

• Tuesday through Saturday

  - 0900 to 1800

• Federal Holidays

  - 0900 to 1700

Fort Buchanan Barber Shops

There is one barber shop on post. It is open from 0800 to 1700 Monday through Saturday. Call for more information.

Main Exchange Barber Shop - Bldg. 689

Phone

: 1 (787) 793-1700

Fort Buchanan Post Office

This location is open for mail processing only. For retail services you will have to go off post.

Fort Buchanan Post Office

1242 Chrisman Road Fort Buchanan, PR 00934

Phone

: 1 (787) 707-3390

Fort Buchanan Post Office Hours

• Monday through Friday

  - 0800 to 1600

• Saturday

  - 0800 to 1200

Fort Buchanan Finance Office

The Fort Buchanan Finance Office has resources available to help you understand and manage your finances, including one-on-one counseling to assist your family with financial readiness, from basic planning to long-term investing. The office can also help with the exorbitant cost of living on an island.

Fort Buchanan Finance Office

Davis Street Bldg. 225 Fort Buchanan, PR 00934

Phone

: 1 (787) 707-3310

Fort Buchanan Finance Office Hours

• Monday through Friday

  - 0800 to 1700

Fort Buchanan Legal Office

The Fort Buchanan Legal Assistance Office provides legal advice and assistance to eligible clients, including active duty, retired, and dependents with a military ID card. The office is where you want to go to get a will prepared, documents translated or have other legal documents reviewed, including powers of attorney. Call for hours or to make an appointment.

Fort Buchanan Legal Office

Double Eagle Avenue Bldg. 390, Suite 101 Fort Buchanan, PR 00934

Phone

: 1 (787) 707-5155

Fort Buchanan Legal Office Hours

To make an appointment with the Legal Assistance Office, call

1 (787) 707-5155.

Fort Buchanan Library

Fort Buchanan Library Bldg. 518 Fort Buchanan, PR 00934

Phone

: 1 (787) 707-3208

Hotels Near Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico

Fort Buchanan has an on-post lodging facility, available for visitors or temporary lodging needs. The hotel is situated near post amenities. Reservations may be made 24 hours in advance.

Holiday Inn Express El Caney Lodge

Depot Road Bldg. 678 Fort Buchanan, PR 00934

Phone

: 1 (787) 792-7977

Fort Buchanan Hotel Hours

• Open 24/7

Where Should I Live Near Fort Buchanan?

If you’re considering living on post, check out the available on-post housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off post.

Cities Near Fort Buchanan

Fort Buchanan is located right in the heart of Puerto Rico’s capital city of San Juan. Most people stationed at Fort Buchanan choose to live on post or in San Juan as it offers big-city conveniences and a short commute to work.

Best Places to Live Near Fort Buchanan

San Juan, PR

The capital city of Puerto Rico boasts a population of over 335,000 people. Its economy is largely supported by tourism and manufacturing, along with its close proximity to Fort Buchanan. It is one of the oldest European-founded cities in the Americas, so the area is teeming with history and culture. It’s a place where you can explore the “Old World” but still have access to modern amenities and pursuits like shopping, dining and nightlife in places like La Placita de Santurce. Housing is fairly affordable and sits below the U.S. national average (though incomes vary significantly). The median monthly owner costs for a mortgage are $1,087 and median gross rents are $481. The area has a lot to offer, with amazing beaches and sweeping ocean views. And you can’t live in San Juan without experiencing Old San Juan where visitors can explore the islet on their own or with a tour guide. Hot Tip: Look for

Fort Buchanan

homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Fort Buchanan Schools

If you’re living on post, your children can choose from three schools: an early childhood school for students in pre-K through fifth grade, a middle school for students in sixth through eighth grade and a high school for students in ninth through 12th grade. Wherever they attend, rest assured that they’ll have access to the finest education possible. And if your child requires extra help, there are a number of programs available. Fort Buchanan’s School Support Services can provide school-aged children resources and information to help achieve academic success. The on-post school liaison officer is also available to help make the tough transition to a new school easier. Find more local school information at Fort Buchanan Schools: Day Care – High School.

What Is the Weather Like in Puerto Rico?

Fort Buchanan is located in a tropical paradise. Puerto Rico has one of the most unvarying climates in the world. You can expect warm and pleasant tropical weather all year as temperatures range from 75 to 85 degrees. The island is hottest and wettest in August, with an average of 7 inches of rain. Enjoy the sunny days but always be prepared for rain so keep a light jacket or poncho handy!

Things To Do Near Fort Buchanan

There are tons of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors (and warm water) with fishing, surfing, stand up paddleboarding, scuba diving, and recreation at nearby beaches. Family-friendly activities like paying a visit to a local wildlife preserve or exploring the rainforest are popular among those who live here. There are also fun annual events held locally like street parties and cultural festivals. There’s also the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, one of the most anticipated parties of the year and the official close of the holiday season. Fantastic restaurants, live music, and special events can also be found all over the island. Not to mention the recreation and entertainment options available on post thanks to the Fort Buchanan Family and MWR. Suggested Reads: 14 of the Best Things To Do Near Fort Buchanan and 19 of the Best Restaurants Near Fort Buchanan

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Conclusion

Fort Buchanan has more to offer than meets the eye. The area is bustling with things to do and there’s so much culture to soak in. While stationed at Fort Buchanan you’ll have the opportunity to further your military career and provide support to the Caribbean area while the location provides the chance to experience everything this tropical paradise has to offer. Moving to a new place has its challenges but you’ll be glad to be here.