The 346th Air Expeditionary Wing, a US Air Force unit based in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, generated a total economic impact of $161.4 million on the island during fiscal year 2026, with $81.9 million of that concentrated in the town of Ceiba, where the unit’s operations are based. The islandwide impact included $71.7 million in direct spending, of which $34.5 million went to local contracts for operations and $3.6 million to local rents.
That direct spending produced another $43 million in indirect transactions between businesses and in additional wages, multiplying the effect of each dollar invested. In Ceiba itself, the unit’s presence delivered $45.8 million in direct impact and $27.4 million in indirect transactions, supporting local suppliers, contractors and municipal infrastructure development. Beyond lodging, service members contribute to local economies through spending at restaurants, shops, cinemas and supermarkets, as well as through participation in tourism activities, according to the unit.
The economic report was issued by the 346th Air Expeditionary Wing’s Office of Public Affairs, which the unit points to as the contact for more information about the study.