Here are some of the highlights so far from RIMPAC 2018
By Ken Chamberlain
WASHINGTON ― Were you at the Rim of the Pacific exercise this year? If not, you missed all sorts of ships, aircraft and PowerPoint presentations.
Yes, PowerPoint presentations.
RIMPAC, which began in 1971, runs from June 27 to Aug. 2. This year’s RIMPAC, the 26th of the series, included 25 nations, 46 ships, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel, plus five submarines.
Below are photos highlighting some of the training so far ― including riveting presentations ― and off-hour happenings.
180706-N-FV745-1144 PEARL HARBOR (July 6, 2018) Navy Divers, assigned to Mobile Diving Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1, transit to the USS Arizona Memorial for a dive during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 exercise, July 7. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel James Lanari/Released)180706-N-CW570-2247 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (July 6, 2018) U.S. Navy Divers, assigned to Mobile Diving Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1, and Royal Australian Navy Divers dive the USS Arizona Memorial at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez)U.S. Marines assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion watch a USMC CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopter depart the drop zone after dropping military members into the ocean during helicopter casting training at Blue Beach during the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 9, 2018. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Canadian Armed Forces photo by Ordinary Seaman Justin Spinello)180708-O-N0842-3008 MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (June 8, 2018) Members of the U.S. Marine Corps 1st Recon battle the surf during amphibious landing training on rigid-hull inflatable boats at Blue Beach training area during the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, July 8. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Canadian Armed Forces Photo by Ordinary Seaman Justin Spinello/Released)180708-N-OW019-1066 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 8, 2018) Royal Canadian Navy coastal defence vessel HMCS Yellowknife (706) sails alongside the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) on July 8 in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018. 25 nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC, provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Logan C. Kellums/Released)180707-G-DX668-1114 SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 7, 2018) An aircrew member from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento communicates with an aircrew aboard an HC-130 from Air Station Barbers Point Hawaii after the HC-130 aircrew landed in Sacramento, Calif., July 7. Twenty-five nations, more than 46 ships and 5 submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew S. Masaschi/Released)180709-O-N0842-1002 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (July 6, 2018) The Royal Canadian Navy's Interim Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment Ship, Motor Vessel Asterix departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on July 9 to participate in the sea phase of Exercise RIMPAC 2018. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Canadian Armed Forces photo by Imagery Technician Sgt Devin VandeSype/Released)180706-N-VR594-1005 PEARL HARBOR (July 6, 2018) Chilean Navy Commodore Pablo Niemann, maritime component commander, from Valparaíso, Chile, addresses participants of a legal symposium held during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, July 6. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey J. Hockenberger/Released)180703-M-WI555-0063 MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 3, 2018) Mexican marines with the Marine Amphibious Infantry Brigade maneuver through a live-fire range during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 3, 2018. RIMPAC demonstrates the value of amphibious forces and provides high-value training for task-organized, highly-capable Marine Air-Ground Task Forces enhancing the critical crisis response capability of U.S. forces and partners globally. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dominic Romero)180704-N-PM193-0072 PEARL HARBOR (July 4, 2018) Guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) and USS Sterett (DDG 104) sit moored during the harbor phase of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2018. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alexander C. Kubitza/Released)180705-M-FA245-1012 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (July 5, 2018) An Indonesian surfaces from the water during shallow water egress training as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii July 5, 2018. RIMPAC provides high-value training for task-organized, highly-capable Marine Air-Ground Task Force and enhances the critical crisis response capability of U.S. Marines in the Pacific. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Adam Montera)180706-M-KC456-1114 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (July 6, 2018) Philippine and U.S. Marines with Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, disembark from a CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter and post security during an air-assault rehearsal as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise on Marine Corps Base Hawaii July 6, 2018. RIMPAC provides high-value training for task-organized, highly-capable Marine Air-Ground Task Force and enhances the critical crisis response capability of U.S. Marines in the Pacific. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas P. Miller)180708-N-ZZ513-1180 PEARL HARBOR (July 8, 2018) Indonesian sailors aboard the Republic of Indonesia Navy landing dock ship KRI Makassar (590), perform a traditional Indonesian dance at a reception during Rim of the Pacific exercise on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 8. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Natalie M. Byers/Released)180706-O-N0842-3007 MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 6, 2018) Members of the Canadian 2nd Battalion Royal 22e Régiment signal the start of an attack by firing the C6 General Purpose Machine Gun during a live-fire exercise at range 208 Charlie during the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, July 6. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Canadian Armed Forces Photo by Ordinary Seaman Justin Spinello/Released)180706-O-N0842-3016 CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 6, 2018) United States Marine Corps Sergeant Andrew Springer discussing the FGM-148 Javaline Missile Launcher and control system with members of the Canadian 1st and 2nd Battalion Royal 22e Régiment during the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Camp Pendleton, July 6. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Canadian Armed Forces Photo by Ordinary Seaman Justin Spinello/Released)180709-M-QG131-0001 MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 9, 2018) A U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, provides overwatch during an integrated squad exercise with Mexican marines assigned to the Amphibious Marine Infantry Brigade as they navigate the infantry immersion trainer (IIT) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 9, 2018. The IIT provided the Marines with “hands on” practical application of tactical skills and decision making in an immersive, scenario-based training environment. RIMPAC demonstrates the value of amphibious forces and provides high-value training for task-organized, highly capable Marine Air-Ground Task Forces enhancing the critical crisis response capability of U.S. forces and partners globally. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Maida K. Zheng)180706-O-N0842-2034 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (July 6, 2018) A Canadian Aurora aircraft (CP140118) arrives at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 6, to participate in the RIMPAC 2018 exercise. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Canadian Armed Forces photo by Imagery Technician Cpl Trevor Matheson/Released)