The Rim of the Pacific exercise, better known as RIMPAC, is on. It began on Monday and will go through August 31.
RIMPAC is a biennial maritime exercise, which brings together military forces from the U.S. and other countries to foster and sustain cooperative relationships, allowing military forces from different nations to train together and develop strategic alliances. This is the 27th year it’s been held.
In 2018, 26 countries took part in the exercise, which is always held in and around Hawaii. This year, 10 countries are participating, with around 5,300 personnel. Because of COVID-19, this will be an “at sea only” exercise, with none of those involved taking part in the usual land-based social activities.
“In these challenging times, it is more important than ever that our maritime forces work together to protect vital shipping lanes and ensure freedom of navigation through international waters,” said Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. John Aquilino. “And we will operate safely, using prudent mitigation measures.”
As the U.S. Navy works to limit the spread of COVID-19, RIMPAC 2020 is not scheduled to include social events ashore, which are usually part of the event. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is providing logistics support, with a minimal footprint of staff ashore for command and control, logistics, and other support functions.
This year’s exercise will include multinational anti-submarine warfare, maritime intercept operations, and live-fire training events, among other cooperative training opportunities.
RIMPAC 2020 will be led by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, Vice Adm. Scott D. Conn.
Over the weekend, several of the ships were spotted West of the Big Island, including the Philippines frigate Jose Rizal.
Photo is the frigate Jose Rizal, from the Phillipines Navy Facebook page.