RIMPAC 2024 exercise kicks off in Pacific

The 29th edition of the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, recognised as the world’s largest international maritime exercise, officially kicked off today in Honolulu, Hawaii.

According to a press release from the U.S. Navy, the event commenced with an opening ceremony and a press conference, marking the start of operations that will run until August 1.

This year’s RIMPAC brings together approximately 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel.

These participants will engage in various training and operational activities around the Hawaiian Islands, focusing on fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among international participants, which is essential for ensuring maritime security.

“The Rim of the Pacific exercise has grown over the years to be the world’s largest and premier joint combined maritime training opportunity,” said Vice Adm. John Wade, Commander of U.S. 3rd Fleet and RIMPAC 2024 Combined Task Force (CTF) Commander, in the press release.

“The exercise’s purpose is to build relationships, to enhance interoperability and proficiency, and ultimately, contribute to peace and stability in the vitally important Indo-Pacific region.”

The theme for RIMPAC 2024 is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.” For the first time, a member of the Chilean Navy, Commodore Alberto Guerrero, will serve as deputy commander of the CTF. Other key leaders include Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rear Adm. Kazushi Yokota as vice commander, Commodore Kristjan Monaghan of the Royal Canadian Navy commanding the maritime component, and Air Commodore Louise DesJardins of the Royal Australian Air Force commanding the air component.

This year’s RIMPAC will feature its largest humanitarian aid and disaster relief exercise, with eight countries, five ships, five landing craft, five aircraft, multiple land forces, and over 2,500 participants, including those from the statewide Hawaii Healthcare Emergency Management exercise. According to the press release, this comprehensive exercise aims to integrate and enhance capabilities ranging from disaster relief to maritime security operations and complex warfighting.

During RIMPAC, participating forces will engage in a wide range of exercises, including amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine, and air defence drills, as well as military medicine, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations.

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