The Island of Vieques is located 11km off the main island of Puerto Rico. It is about 34km long and 6km wide, with a population of around 9000. It's known for its beautiful beaches, but also because it is the site of a bombing range owned by the US Navy. In the past couple years large numbers of residents have protested the weapons training, after a civilian security guard was killed by a bomb that was way off target.
The military has bases on the east and west thirds of the island, and they've used it for training for the past 60 years. Studies have found that the bombing and shelling has caused an increase of cancer in island residents, and most can't stand the noise pollution. The Navy says that there is no other suitable area for this type of training and maintains that it is necessary.