USCGC Bertholf returns home following RIMPAC 2018

From Navaltoday,com

Coast Guard cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) returned on September 4 to her homeport in Alameda following a nearly 90-day deployment to the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.

There, Bertholf crewmembers participated in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 which is said to be the world’s largest multi-national naval exercise.

Twenty-five nations, forty-six ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel took part in this year’s RIMPAC.

Bertholf crewmembers executed and assisted in several boardings, humanitarian response scenarios and war-at-sea exercises during RIMPAC which were designed to strengthen international relations with allied navies, according to the coast guard.

Bertholf served as the task force commander for the multi-national, Combined Task Force (CTF) 175, which included naval units from Japan, the Philippines, Peru and France.

Following RIMPAC, the crew sailed to San Diego to conduct tailored ship’s training availability (TSTA) which assessed the crew’s capabilities and operational readiness through testing and evaluation. During TSTA, the crew executed engineering, medical, damage control, navigation, force protection and combat systems oriented drills and exercises.

Bertholf is a 418-foot national security cutter and one of four NSCs homeported in Alameda. NSCs are designed to patrol the open ocean and serve as a command and control center for complex law enforcement, defense and national security missions.

The NSCs displace 4,500 tons with a full load, have a range of 12,000 miles and can endure up to 90-day patrol cycles. The cutters feature advanced command, control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, aviation support facilities and a stern cutter boat launch.

Russian Spy Ship Now Off Hawaii, U.S. Navy Protecting ‘Critical Information’

Courtesy of Sam LaGrone on the USNI website (https://news.usni.org/)

Moscow has dispatched a specialized spy ship off the coast of Hawaii with the likely mission to monitor the U.S. Navy led Rim of the Pacific 2016 exercise, USNI News has learned.

A Russian Navy Bal’zam-class, “auxiliary general intelligence ship recently arrived in international waters off Hawaii where exercise Rim of the Pacific is taking place,” U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesman Lt. Clint Ramsden told USNI News this week.

“The ship’s presence has not affected the conduct of the exercise and we’ve taken all precautions necessary to protect our critical information.”

While it wasn’t unusual at all in during the Cold War for Russian spy ships to linger off the coast of the U.S. to suck up signals intelligence information or monitor exercises like RIMPAC, the Russians have been lax in their surveillance until recently.

“It used to be that AGIs would deploy regularly off their ports and we would encounter them and they would operate very safely and professionally — mostly looking for signals intelligence,” Bryan Clark, a naval analyst at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments and former aide to retired Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert, told USNI News.

Following the March 2014 seizure of the Crimean region of Ukraine, the Russian Navy has operated more aggressively returning to levels not seen since the Cold War.

Given the participation of 25 countries, almost 50 of ships, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel operating during the exercise, it would make sense for the Russians to listen in, Clark said.
“It’s unusual now, only because they haven’t done it in a while,” he said.

The service did not provide additional information about the ship or its origin but naval analysts contacted by USNI News surmised the ship is the Project 1826 Bal’zam class ship Pribaltika (SSV-80) operating out of Vladivostok on Russia’s Pacific Coast.

Out of the Russian’s current crop of available ships designed to intercept and record the communications and electronic emissions – like radar signals — of potential adversaries, Pribaltika is the most likely ship the Russians would send to monitor RIMPAC, Chris Carlson, a retired U.S. Navy captain and naval analyst told USNI News on Wednesday.

“Given that Pribaltika is larger, has greater endurance and range, has undergone recent maintenance and has made a deployment to Hawaii in the past (2004), it makes the most sense that this is the ship the Russians [would] send,” Carlson said.

The Russians are developing more modern AGIs but “until more modern units such as the new Yuriy Ivanov-class (Project 18280) intelligence collection ships enter service during the next few years, it makes sense that the Russians would consider sending a vessel from the older Bal’zam-class to monitor U.S. and allied naval exercises,” Eric Wertheim — naval analyst and author of U.S. Naval Institute’s Combat Fleets of the World — told USNI News on Wednesday.

During RIMPAC 2014, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy sent its own uninvited spy ship to monitor the exercise – in addition to four other Chinese ships the U.S. invited to participate in the exercise. The move – considered odd given China was included in almost all levels of the exercise by the U.S. – made international headlines and elicited defensive responses from Beijing.

Several sources told USNI News during this iteration of RIMPAC and there are no signs China has sent its own spy ship in addition to its five invited warships.

USS Sampson, HSM 35 Depart on Western-Pacific Deployment

The guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) fires its MK 45 5-inch gun during a live-fire exercise. Sampson is en route to Hawaii for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2014. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 26 to Aug. 1. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Conor Minto/Released)

 

By Commander, U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs

 

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) departed Oct. 31 on an independent deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean.

 The ship and crew of more than 300 Sailors, assigned to Destroyer Squadron Two Three (DESRON) 23, will conduct various presence operations and goodwill activities with partner nations.

 Sampson is a multi-mission ship with anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare surface combatant capabilities; designed to operate independently or with an associated strike group.

 "I am very proud of our Sailors who have worked extremely hard over the past year to ensure Sampson is ready for deployment," said Cmdr. Steven Foley, Sampson's commanding officer. "They have truly embraced the spirit of pride and professionalism and look forward to representing our Navy's missions."

 Detachment Seven from the "Magicians" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Three Five (HSM-35) will embark Sampson during the deployment.

 "It is a real privilege to be the officer in charge of HSM-35's first deploying detachment," said Lt. Cmdr. Chris Laufman, HSM-35, Detachment 7's officer in charge. "Our maintenance team and aircrews have worked really hard to prepare, and we are very excited to be embarked on such a great ship. We are excited to represent all 'Magicians' on the squadron's inaugural deployment."

 Sampson is the fourth U.S. destroyer named after Rear Adm. William Thomas Sampson, whose naval service lasted from 1857 until 1902, including command of the North Atlantic Station during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

 The ship is homeported in San Diego and is part of Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet and U.S. 3rd Fleet.

 U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.



#Warfighting: USS Nimitz, CSG 11 begins Composite Training Unit Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Carla Ocampo, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 began Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) Oct. 17.

COMPTUEX is an 18-day exercise required for each CSG, and designed to drill every warfare area including sub surface, surface and air, to practice responses to situations that may occur on deployment.

Embarked Strike Force Training Pacific evaluators will test the CSG on its integrated operational capabilities through a series of simulations.

This is the first time the strike group has worked together since Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).

"It's unusual that we have done some integrated training," said Cmdr. Larry Sidbury, Nimitz operations officer. "We had the opportunity to work together in RIMPAC where the whole CSG participated. During a normal turnaround cycle we would not have gotten an opportunity."

COMPTUEX is broken up into phases. Phase one provides a detailed schedule of events (SOE) and specific task training for CSG and warfare commanders. Phase two consists of real-world exercises and no SOE.

"No doubt each of these phases will challenge our ability to effectively manage and employ our limited resources," said Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, commander, CSG 11. "We need to embrace a fundamental mindset shift from training to certification."

Nimitz will simulate a straits transit with other ships from the strike group, participate in replenishments at sea, vertical replenishments, and run many general quarters drills.

"It's going to be a busy time because we're going to get exposed to every mission area in such a condensed amount of time," said Sidbury. "With the amount of work that needs to be accomplished during this time, I think it's going to push people to a fairly high OPTEMPO [operations tempo]."

Unit specific training will allow the separate strike group assets to practice their roles individually, while other situations will test the strike group's ability to react as a single force.

"Give 100 percent because the next time we sail, we may be standing in harm's way," said Gumataotao. "Execute as you have diligently trained for this moment and continue to make me proud."

After successful completion of COMPTUEX, Nimitz and the rest of the CSG will move on to the final exam, joint task force exercise, preparing Nimitz for her 2013 deployment.

CSG 11 is made up of Nimitz, CVW-11, guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 5), and Destroyer Squadron 23; guided-missile destroyers USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Shoup (DDG 86), USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110).

Carrier Air Wing 11 Departs USS Nimitz

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- The squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 embarked on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercises left for their home stations beginning with the fly off Aug. 8.

Disembarking an air wing is a massive undertaking and requires coordination between many different departments.

As many as 700 tri-wall reinforced storage boxes will be moved from the ship, said Cmdr. Frank Bennet, Nimitz' maintenance officer.

"We've got to coordinate with squadrons; as soon as the last plane leaves we start getting all the tri-walls moved to the hangar bays," said Bennet.

"When that last plane takes off, it's a scramble to get everything into the tri-walls," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Jason Everett, corrosion prevention leading petty officer for Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154.

Each squadron will get approximately 30 tri-walls to fill with supplies they brought on board for the underway including computers, tools, chains, support equipment, televisions and grease pencils.

"It's like Tetris getting everything to fit inside," said Cpl. Jeremiah Clark, assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 323. "I already have a packing list of where everything goes, and everything we have is really organized, especially our tool boxes. It will only take us about two hours to do the actual packing."

As the ship pulls pier-side, shore based cranes will be in place to move the boxes to the pier where a fleet of forklifts will load the trucks which will depart for their home bases.

This offload presents the challenge of simultaneously on-loading gear for the fleet replacement squadrons, which are to go underway with Nimitz for carrier qualifications.

"The hardest part is getting everything staged," said Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Hildalgo, officer in charge of the offload. "We have nine squadrons to move. It's going to be an all hands effort."

Security, Air Department, Supply Department, Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department, Safety Department and all the squadrons coordinate between each other and Naval Air Station North Island to ensure all the gear is moved properly.

The offload marks the final step in the completion of RIMPAC 2012.

B-52s provide RIMPAC 2012 air capability

by 2nd Lt. Sarah Bergstein, 36th Wing Public Affairs

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNS) -- Members from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., participated in nine sorties in support of this year's Rim of the Pacific exercise July 11 to 31 in and around training areas surrounding the Hawaiian islands.

Six B-52s from the 69th EBS, accompanied by more than 200 Airmen, are currently deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, in support of U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence to maintain security and stability in the Western Pacific.

"RIMPAC reminds us how vital it is to train with our fellow U.S. forces as well as our international partners around the globe, enabling us to work together and respond effectively if needed," said Col. Randy Kaufman, 36th Operations Group commander. "The 69th EBS' participation in RIMPAC, not only shows their ability to support PACOM's CBP, but also the global readiness they bring to the fight."

RIMPAC is a biennial multinational maritime exercise held by commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Beginning in 1971 and now in its 23rd year, RIMPAC boasts 22 participating nations, 42 surface ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel.

Scheduled from June 27 to Aug. 9, the theme of RIMPAC 2012 is, "Capable, Adaptive, Partners."

"Our participation in a multi-national exercise like RIMPAC affords us the opportunity to improve interoperability and strengthen relationship with our regional partners," said Lt. Col. Doug Gosney, 69th EBS commander. "Additionally, our aircrews get first-rate training and gain invaluable experience by operating in this dynamic, joint coalition environment. RIMPAC provided an unmatched training opportunity for my aviators."

The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The primary objective of bomber participation in this year's RIMPAC exercise was to enhance crew proficiency and promote international military cooperation.

"These long-duration sorties helped simulate our real-world taskings," said Gosney. "Employing with other Air Force assets, our sister services and the nations of the Pacific theater afforded us a unique training opportunity."

Averaging 20 to 22-hour sorties, each with two air refuelings, the 69th EBS flew over 180 hours from Guam to the Hawaiian airspace and back.

"We started with a crawl, walk, run mentality," said Maj. Christopher Morris, 69th EBS mission planning cell team chief. "At first, our participation focused at the unit level and then moved into force-integration training where we worked with other players. In the final phase of RIMPAC, we integrated B-52s into a robust regional combat scenario."

In the first phase of unit level training, targets are generally pre-planned and aircrews know exactly what to look for. In the force-integration phase and the final combat scenario, targets are unknown, meaning aircrews not only have to locate their targets, but also determine how to strike and with what weapons to strike.

"This demonstrates the flexibility of the B-52 and our aircrews," said Morris. "Our joint-service commanders know they can count on the B-52 to deliver bombs on target 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year--worldwide--and in this case, from more than 3,000 miles away."

The 69th EBS' first two sorties for this year's RIMPAC, July 11 and 13, supported a high-priority MINEX, a low-level mine-laying exercise designed to train the Navy's counter-mine specialists.

"We're working with Navy fleet to train in aerial interdiction of maritime targets," said Morris. "This includes gathering intelligence, honing our skills in low-level flying, providing close air support and simulating strikes when targets are found."

Exercises in the region are ideal forums to showcase U.S. defense aircraft and equipment, work hand-in-hand with regional partners and contribute toward interoperability with other countries.

Movement of U.S. Air Force bombers into the Western Pacific has been ongoing since March 2004, as the U.S. Pacific Command adjusts its force posture to maintain a prudent deterrent capability.

Rotational bomber deployments to Guam help maintain stability and security in the Western Pacific, while allowing units to become familiar with operating in the Pacific Theater.

"As a Navy-centric exercise, we're thrilled about the air capabilities that our B-52s were able to provide in support of RIMPAC," said Kaufman. "There's something to be said about U.S. Air Force B-52s flying with Marine Corps F-18s alongside Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18s and P-3s as well as Japanese F-2s and F-15Js."

As the world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC is a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

Other U.S. Air Force aircraft participating in RIMPAC 2012 include: KC-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster IIIs, KC-135 Stratofortresses, E-3 Sentries, A-10 Thunderbolt IIIs, F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons and HH-60G Pave Hawks.

"RIMPAC is a testament to the mutual understanding and respect we gain from exercising with regional partners, all working together on a number of different and potential operations and missions," said Kaufman. "We look forward to participating again in 2014 and bringing an enhanced portfolio of new capabilities."

RIMPAC 2012 Concludes

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ernesto Bonilla, RIMPAC Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (NNS) -- The world's largest international maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), officially concluded Aug. 3.

The 23rd exercise in the biennial RIMPAC series, this year's version involved 22 nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, and more than 200 aircraft that operated in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The exercise is designed to foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

Part of that cooperation involved more than 25,000 personnel working together from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Republic of Korea, Republic of the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"It is a testament to the power of RIMPAC that we can bring a record number of nations together and then conduct complex and purposeful training in challenging scenarios like humanitarian assistance operations," said Adm. Cecil Haney, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "The partnerships, cooperation and camaraderie forged during this exercise are essential to the promotion of peace in the Pacific region and will be invaluable during future contingencies, wherever and whenever they might be."

RIMPAC 2012 demonstrated a variety of exercise firsts, including the first time non-U.S. officers commanded components of the combined task force during the exercise. Commodore Stuart Mayer of the Royal Australian Navy commanded the Maritime Component and Brig. Gen. Michael Hood of the Royal Canadian Air Force commanded the air component. Other key leaders of the multinational force included Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Ron Lloyd, deputy commander of the Combined Task Force (CTF), and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Rear Adm. Fumiyuki Kitagawa, vice commander of the CTF.

"I am truly pleased with what we have achieved as part of this exercise," said Rear Adm. Ron Lloyd, the deputy Combined Task Force commander. "The challenging scenarios allowed Canadians and our Pacific Rim partners to develop the skills we will need to work successfully with each other, wherever we may be called upon to deploy," said Lloyd.

The U.S. Navy also demonstrated its "Great Green Fleet" with surface combatants and aircraft, functioning on biofuel blends for the first time in an operation. The demonstration highlighted the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus' energy goals to reduce the Department of Navy's consumption of energy, decrease its reliance on foreign sources of oil, and significantly increase its use of alternative energy.

"If you talk to anyone who lives within the rim of the Pacific they will tell you, it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when the next natural disaster or crisis may affect one of the countries," said Beaman. "We (RIMPAC participants) are forming a team. In the event of the next crisis or disaster, this team will have worked with each other and understand the processes that a coalition will have to go through in order to form and be able to accomplish whatever mission we may be asked to do."

For the first time during RIMPAC, the exercise featured a humanitarian assistance/disaster relief event that facilitated training and certification for expeditionary forces to respond to foreign disasters as a crisis response adaptive force package. Also conducted were three SINKEXS, multi-force military operations on urban terrain training, live-fire exercises , surface-to-air engagements, air-to-air missile engagements, surface-to-surface engagements, amphibious assaults, vessel boardings, explosive ordnance disposal, diving, salvage operations, conducted air-to-air refuelings and mine clearance operations.

"Watching this 22-nation coalition come together, each with their own individual training goals and objectives; watching the team put a plan together that accounted for each one of those training goals and objectives, and then for the last three weeks watching it all unfold; for me, that will be a lasting memory," said Beaman.

VX-1 Flies P-8 Poseidon during RIMPAC 2012

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The P-8A Poseidon jet, a replacement maritime patrol aircraft for the P-3C Orion, made its Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise debut this year, flown by two air crews from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, during the 23rd edition of the biennial exercise .

"While the P-3C Orion is a very forgiving aircraft and has served the fleet very well, the P-8A Poseidon is easier to fly, trims well, and handles flawlessly [at low altitude]," said Lt. Cmdr. Chris Artis, VX-1 maintenance officer and integrated training team pilot. "It's easy to maneuver, and the situational awareness in the cockpit is unlike anything I've ever seen before. Getting used to the technology and the different displays can be a challenge, but overall it's fun to fly."

The VX-1 crews flew two P-8As during 24 exercise events ranging from routine test flights to simulated anti-submarine warfare. VX-1 officials said training requirements are extensive in the P-8A because of the complexity and the speed of the aircraft, and that RIMPAC provided extensive, open airspace and a robust exercise schedule where the squadron could demonstrate the capability of the new aircraft.

"The addition of two P-8A aircraft from Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 enabled us to get an early look at how we can integrate this new platform in a Joint and Combined operating environment," said Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander, who flew a mission with VX-1 earlier in the week. "I had the opportunity to personally observe its great potential during a flight where the crew demonstrated each weapon system while we conducted ASW and ISR."

The P-8A is based on the Boeing 737-800ERX airliner, but incorporates a host of modifications. The Poseidon will replace the P-3C Orion, now in its 50th year of service, as a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. It will maximize the experience and technology of the Orion but with significant growth potential, greater payload capacity, advanced mission systems, software and communications. Six additional fuel tanks in P-8As allow for the jet's extended range.

"The P-3C is an aging airframe with aging systems on board." said Cmdr. Gregory Sleppy, VX-1 operational test director for the P-8. "It's becoming very expensive to operate because of the age of the airframe, and has been up for 50 years; that's half the life of [naval] aviation."

P-8As feature Raytheon multi-mission surface search radars, and incorporate a short bomb bay aft of the wings for torpedoes, sonobouys (small expendable sonar capsules that are dropped or ejected from the aircraft for anti-submarine warfare or underwater acoustic research), and cargo.

"We can look forward to an increased availability rate right off the bat," said Sleppy. "Next you're going to see a more interoperable platform. The communications suite on the aircraft is far more advanced. Those are going to be the immediate things that the fleet commanders are going to see."

Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, over 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3 in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971.

VP-45, Mexican Navy Join Forces during RIMPAC 2012

By Lt. j.g. Alec Verone, Patrol Squadron 45 Public Affairs PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The Mexican navy and Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 "Pelicans" have integrated into the Combined Task Force (CTF) 176 on board USS Essex (LHD 2) for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012, June 29 to Aug. 3.

CTF-176 Commander, Rear Adm. Peter Ellis, and his command staff, consisting of Sailors from Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and the U.S. are operating from Essex and leads more than 10 ships, 12 aircraft, three landing craft air cushion (LCAC), 11 amphibious assault vehicles, and more than 3,500 personnel.

The year marks the first time the Mexican navy is participating in RIMPAC.

"This is a very important moment in history for Mexico," said Cmdr. Juan Malo, CTF 176 liaison for the Mexican navy. "We are excited about training with the other countries in RIMPAC, and showing how capable the ARM Usumacinta is."

The ARM Usumacinta is a Tank Landing Ship (LST) vessel homeported in Manzanillo, Mexico.

"VP-45 has generated a striking amount of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) readiness by operating in the first phase of the RIMPAC exercise," said Cmdr. John Brabazon, executive officer of VP 45. "ASW primacy is our squadron's calling card. As we continue to build towards a challenging Seventh Fleet deployment in December, operating in this complex joint environment will pay long-term dividends for the Pelican team."

The relationships built during RIMPAC extended beyond the air, land, and sea.

"Cmdr. Malo and I shared a stateroom together," said Brabazon. "In the end, we are all trying to achieve the same objective - serve our country with intense pride and contribute to lasting global security. I am proud to call Cmdr. Malo my shipmate and mi amigo."

CTF 176 is an expeditionary strike group (ESG) and consists of participants from Australia, Canada, Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Tonga, New Zealand, and the U.S. Throughout RIMPAC 2012, the task force will participate in a wide range of amphibious exercises, non-combatant evacuation operation exercises, helicopter and mechanized raids, and Marine live-fire support exercises.

California Air Guard members participate in largest Rim of the Pacific exercise

By Air National Guard Master Sgt. David J. Loeffler, 144th Fighter Wing, California National Guard

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii - Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcons from the California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing, have begun to rip across the blue Hawaiian skies as more than 25,000 U.S. and foreign military service members participate in the 2012 Rim of the Pacific exercise.

RIMPAC 2012 – largest Rim of the Pacific exercise ever – is the twenty-third exercise in a history of bi-annual drills that dates back four decades, providing a unique and dynamic training environment in which multiple nations can exchange ideas and train together with the primary mission of securing open sea-lanes and protecting maritime lines of communication.

Since its inception in 1971, RIMPAC has grown in overall numbers as well as numbers of countries participating with India, Russia, Norway, Mexico, the Philippines, and Tonga participating for the first time this year.

“RIMPAC is a great opportunity for our team,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Scott Seyfarth, the project officer of the 144th FW. “We will be working with 22 nations, 42 surface ships, seven submarines, more than 170 aircraft, and over 25,000 personnel.

“This will be the largest RIMPAC exercise to date. The lessons learned and experience gained in integrating with the other international exercise partners will be invaluable,” he said. “This exercise allows us to work with our partner nations at both a strategic and tactical level.”

The 144th FW arrived here July 13 with eight of their F-16s, 32 pallets of cargo, and 110 California Guard members. The wing’s mission will be to launch sorties to meet the air tasking order, providing a unique opportunity for the pilots of the 144th FW to fight in a joint dissimilar air combat environment with other U.S. Air Force and Navy units, as well as Canadian air force units.

“We have brought over one hundred highly dedicated and well trained Airmen to this RIMPAC exercise to support our mission,” Seyfarth said.

“None of this would be possible without the support from the most junior Airman on the maintenance or logistic teams all the way up the chain. Without their hard work and dedication, our pilots don’t fly,” said Seyfarth.

The best training comes when the unit executes its primary mission of air dominance while providing air escort for large strike packages against simulated air and surface threats.

“During the exercise, the wing will be flying over 140 sorties, which equates to approximately 300 hours of flight time,” Seyfarth said. “This training is perfectly tailored to allow our pilots and Airmen to train to our primary real-world mission of providing air superiority worldwide,” he said.

The men and women of the 144th FW will continue to support the RIMPAC exercise through its conclusion in early August.

Unit to Conduct ULTRA During RIMPAC 2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tiffany Sivels, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 9 Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (NNS) -- Active duty and reserve Sailors from Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 9 look to retest their skills as a cohesive organization in a Unit Level Training and Readiness Assessment (ULTRA) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise July 21.

During ULTRA, Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 1 will evaluate MSRON 9's command training team (CTT) in its ability to effectively train its personnel. MESG 1 will use RIMPAC events as the scenarios to do that.

"We all know the RIMPAC scenarios," said Lt. Chris Miller, MSRON 9 assistant operations officer. "But what we don't know is what drills MESG 1 has written into those scenarios."

For the past year, MSRON 9 has tailored its training specifically for ULTRA and RIMPAC through customized field exercise and scenarios.

"We have three weeks during RIMPAC to showcase our abilities to the CTT members and MESG 1," said MSRON 9 Commanding Officer Capt. William Anderson. "This is our opportunity to prove to ourselves that we are trained and capable to deploy and that we are capable of training ourselves for future missions."

Although MSRON 9 is here for ULTRA, they are also here to support Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 as part of the Navy Expeditionary Security Force, and to participate in the tactical and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) exercise within the larger RIMPAC exercise.

"Our primary mission for the HA/DR exercise is to provide command-and-control support to Combined Task Force (CTF) 11," said Miller. "CTF 11 will play the role of the military leader on the island as part of the scenario."

MSRON 9 is a rapidly deployable unit that can operate anywhere in the world. The squadron is responsible for port security and harbor defense, coordinating shore and force protection for ships in transit through ports, and providing security for high value assets in harbors and littoral waters. The squadron also conducts surveillance and waterborne interdiction.

"MSRON 9 is a small, but very hard working component of full time support staff and selective reserves," said Anderson. "Its fascinating to see the amount of devotion that people have to an organization such as MSRON 9 and that they are willing to put in the extra time to come out for three weeks to do a extensive mission such as RIMPAC."

This year's RIMPAC exercise includes units or personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Tinker Reservists to participate in Navy fleet exercise

by Lt. Col. Richard Curry, 507th Air Refueling Wing

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFNS) -- Four 507th Air Refueling Wing KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft and more than 135 Air Force Reservists will join forces with the U.S. Navy during July to support a U.S. Pacific Fleet exercise.

The exercise, called RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific), is a series of multinational maritime exercises scheduled to take place in the Hawaiian operating area June 29 to Aug. 3.

Held biennially by U.S. Pacific Fleet, the 2012 RIMPAC exercise is the 23nd time it has been held and the 6th time supported by Oklahoma Air Force reservists. An advance team, or ADVON, departed via a wing aircraft on July 2 with the main force scheduled to follow on later. There will be a mid-July rotation to allow additional reservists to swap places to give more members the opportunity to experience the joint operation. The 507th ARW reservists and aircraft should return home at the end of the exercise.

Twenty-two nations, 42 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in RIMPAC. RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime exercise. Its purpose is to provide a unique training opportunity and help participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. The RIMPAC exercise series began in 1971.

Hosted by U.S. Pacific Fleet, and led by Vice Adm. Gerald Beaman, commander of the U.S. Third Fleet (C3F), RIMPAC 2012 marks the first time non-U.S. officers will command components of the combined task force during the exercise. Commodore Stuart Mayer of the Royal Australian Navy will command the Maritime Component and Brig. Gen. Michael Hood of the Royal Canadian Air Force will command the Air Component. Other key leaders of the multinational force include Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Ron Lloyd, deputy commander of the Combined Task Force (CTF), and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Rear Adm. Fumiyuki Kitagawa, vice commander of the CTF.

The theme of RIMPAC 2012 is "Capable, Adaptive, Partners." The participating nations and forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The relevant, realistic training syllabus includes amphibious operations; gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises as well as counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations.

RIMPAC 2012 will feature the first demonstration of a U.S. Navy "Great Green Fleet," during which U.S. surface combatants and carrier-based aircraft will test, evaluate and demonstrate the cross-platform utility and functionality of biofuels. This demonstration will also incorporate prototype energy efficiency initiatives such as solid state lighting, on-line gas turbine waterwash and energy management tools.

This year's exercise includes units or personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the United States.

During RIMPAC 2010, 507th aircraft flew 56 sorties refueling 314 aircraft while flying 224.9 hours and offloading more than 2 million and 248 thousand pounds of fuel. Wing officials say 2012 looks to surpass the previous totals. Air refueling support provided by the 507thARW during the previous six exercises totals 250 sorties refueling more than 900 aircraft while offloading 7 million 786 thousand pounds of fuel during 930.4 flying hours.

World's Largest International Maritime Exercise Gets Underway

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Military leaders from 22 nations formally launched Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2012, July 2. RIMPAC is hosted biennially by U.S. Pacific Fleet in and around Hawaii.

U.S. and international speakers at the opening press conference included Adm. Cecil D. Haney, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet; Vice Adm. Gerald R. Beaman, Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet; Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Rear Adm. Fumiyuki Kitagawa, Commander of Escort Flotilla Three; and Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Ron Lloyd, Chief of Force Development.

"The theme of capable, adaptable partners resonates here in what is the world's largest international maritime exercise," Haney said.

Haney said 22 nations, 40 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 people are participating in RIMPAC 2012. The exercise is designed to enhance the tactical capabilities of participating units in major aspects of maritime operations at sea. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd in the series, which began in 1971. It is the world's largest international maritime exercise.

RIMPAC, as well as the cooperation and interoperability it fosters, "is critical to ensure the safety of the sea lanes and security of the world's oceans," said Haney, who was flanked by representatives of the participating nations during a pierside press conference.

Haney noted that this year's RIMPAC is unique with a number of exercise firsts:

- The naval and air functional component commands in RIMPAC are being led by international partners;

- Includes a humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR) component;

- The U.S. Navy will demonstrate its "Great Green Fleet" approach with some surface warships and aircraft functioning on biofuel blends

Beaman, said the HA/DR portion of the exercise is a five-day exercise that involves Hawaii disaster responders as well as more medical personnel than have participated in past RIMPACs. He also highlighted the international leadership roles throughout the exercise.

"It is the first time in the RIMPAC series that the component commanders are led by other than U.S. leaders," said Beaman. "It's a sign of where we have come with this exercise and we're excited, each and every one of us to be here and to carry out RIMPAC 2012."

Kitagawa, of Japan, took a moment to recognize the growth in the international participation over previous years.

"I am very glad to welcome seven countries of new partners, and the opportunity for us to train together," said Kitagawa.

Kitagawa also noted that this is the 17th RIMPAC Japan is participating in, and he expressed his gratitude to all of the nations participating in RIMPAC for the assistance they provided to Japan in the wake of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

"Continued participation in RIMPAC and regular deployments in the Pacific Rim also allows us to renew our focus on the region on a biennial basis," said Lloyd of Canada. He also thanked Hawaii for "what is truly first-class, world-class hospitality" that is being offered to all of the RIMPAC participants.

This year's exercise includes units or personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the United States.

RIMPAC to begin June 29

By Commander, U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Twenty-two nations, 42 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise scheduled June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands.

The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Hosted by U.S. Pacific Fleet, and led by Vice Adm. Gerald Beaman, commander of the U.S. Third Fleet (C3F), RIMPAC 2012 marks the first time non-U.S. officers will command components of the combined task force during the exercise. Commodore Stuart Mayer of the Royal Australian Navy will command the Maritime Component and Brig. Gen. Michael Hood of the Royal Canadian Air Force will command the Air Component. Other key leaders of the multinational force include Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Ron Lloyd, deputy commander of the Combined Task Force (CTF), and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Rear Adm. Fumiyuki Kitagawa, vice commander of the CTF.

The theme of RIMPAC 2012 is "Capable, Adaptive, Partners." The participating nations and forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The relevant, realistic training syllabus includes amphibious operations; gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises as well as counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations.

RIMPAC 2012 will feature the first demonstration of a U.S. Navy "Great Green Fleet," during which U.S. surface combatants and carrier-based aircraft will test, evaluate and demonstrate the cross-platform utility and functionality of biofuels. This demonstration will also incorporate prototype energy efficiency initiatives such as solid state lighting, on-line gas turbine waterwash and energy management tools.

This year's exercise includes units or personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Navy Bids Farewell To Trailblazing USS Los Angeles

By Lt. Ed Early - Commander, Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Feb. 4 marked the end of an era for the "Silent Service" as USS Los Angeles (SSN 688), the first of the world's largest class of nuclear-powered submarines, underwent her final decommissioning at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.

Cmdr. Steven Harrison, Los Angeles' last commanding officer, was joined by Capt. Mark Whitney, commander of PSNS and IMF; and Capt. Dan Prince, chief of staff for Submarine Group 9; as the submarine's commissioning pennant was hauled down and the watch secured for the last time, ending Los Angeles' 34 years of service.

"Thirty-four years ago, a crew similar to this one ran aboard Los Angeles, bringing life to this steel body," said Lt. Cmdr. Darrel Lewis, Los Angeles' executive officer and master of ceremonies for the event. "Today, we reluctantly bid her farewell."

Launched in 1974 and commissioned Nov. 13, 1976, Los Angeles was the first of a new class of fast-attack submarines, intended as an eventual replacement for the Navy's Skipjack-, Permit- and Sturgeon-class SSNs. A total of 62 Los Angeles-class submarines were constructed between 1972 and 1996, making the class the largest nuclear-powered submarine class in the world.

In his final remarks as Los Angeles' commander, Harrison recalled the frontline role played by Los Angeles and other submarines of her class during the Cold War.

"The ship served proudly, as well as all the other remaining ships of the class, and contributed to victory in the (Cold) War in ways the general public will never know about," said Harrison.

The fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name – the others were a World War I tanker (ID 1470), an airship (ZR 3) and a Cold War-era heavy cruiser (CA 135) – Los Angeles received many honors during her three decades of service, including seven Battle Efficiency Awards, seven Meritorious Unit Commendations and one Navy Unit Commendation. She made 16 deployments, participating in four Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) multinational exercises.

Los Angeles also made history in May 1977 when President Jimmy Carter, the only U.S. president to qualify in submarines, and his wife Rosalynn joined Adm. Hyman Rickover for an at-sea demonstration of the submarine's capabilities.

Los Angeles' farewell process began Jan. 23, when the ship's public decommissioning ceremony took place at the Port of Los Angeles. Placed "in commission, in reserve," Los Angeles transited north to PSNS and IMF to begin the inactivation process.

In taking custody of Los Angeles, Whitney promised that Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility would honor the submarine's history.

"The inactivation and retiring of ships is an important element of our business," said Whitney. "But one of the important elements we don't actually talk about an awful lot when we are executing the work is one of the things we hold very sacred – that is, we will respect the honor and we will preserve the legacy of your ship."

"We are proud to be the final crew of the USS Los Angeles," said Harrison.

The Los Angeles class was followed by the Seawolf- and Virginia-class submarines.

Reuben James Deploys to Western Pacific

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Commander Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Reuben James (FFG 57) deployed from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Feb. 1, as part of an independent deployment to the Western Pacific.

Reuben James, commanded by Cmdr. David E. Miller, is deploying under the Middle Pacific Surface Combatant (MPSC) deployment concept in which Pearl Harbor-based ships deploy in support of operations, primarily in the Western Pacific. The crew of about 225 Sailors will conduct integrated operations in conjunction with coalition partners deployed to the Western Pacific.

"Reuben James has been preparing for this day since returning from our last deployment," said Miller. "Our focus of effort through continuous maintenance supplied by Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, training and assessments conducted by Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific, and exercises RIMPAC 2010 and Koa Kai 11-1, have fully prepared us to be 'ready on arrival' to support all missions and operations. Our Sailors are ready, our families are ready, and Reuben James is ready. Our motto says it all, 'Back with a Vengeance.'"

Miller said he also expects to support the wider mission areas of maritime interdiction operations (MIO) and theater security cooperation (TSC).

USS Reuben James Command Senior Chief Navy Counselor (SW) Johannes Gonzales said his biggest expectation for the deployment is to be able to work closely with the battle group the ship is about to join.

"It's going to be a new experience for many of the crew members," said Gonzales. "Our personal goal is to get better. We are going to go out there. We are going to do our mission and meanwhile we are going to get better."

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard teamed up with BAE Systems Hawaii Shipyards to successfully complete a continuous maintenance availability (CMAV) on Reuben James, on time, Jan. 10.

"We have to be ready to deploy at a moment's notice," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 John Walls, USS Reuben James main propulsion assistant. "Continuous maintenance allows our ships to be mission-ready at all times."

With 20 years of maintenance engineering experience in the Navy, Walls said the change to continuous maintenance keeps the ships in better condition than the previous way. Instead of only conducting maintenance during major availabilities a year or more apart, work is done in smaller increments more frequently when the ship is in port.

The original completion date for the maintenance period was Dec. 22. Due to new work and delayed delivery of material, the deadline was extended. The CMAV work package on Reuben James was mainly structural and mechanical work accomplished through a combined effort between prime contractor BAE Systems Hawaii Shipyards, subcontractors, the shipyard and ship's force.

Walls said the shipyard's fleet technical support division and gas turbine engine shop performed repairs on the ship's elevator, fins and gas turbine engines.

"We've had great support from both the shipyard and the contractors during this CMAV," he said.

Lester Lee, is the shipyard project manager for Reuben James.

"With the holidays and inclement weather, there were some challenges with obtaining necessary materials on time and quickly replacing the non-skid surfaces on all decks, but the team prevailed to accomplish the work on time," said Lee.

Another challenge the team faced was underwater repairs. Lee said that instead of dry-docking the ship, which would be more expensive, the shipyard's Navy divers and ship's force installed a cofferdam on the underwater hull. The cofferdam created a dry space, which allowed contractors to work below the waterline.

Walls said continuous maintenance allows work to be done more frequently when it is needed, and the ship's crew members become familiar with the civilian workers who perform the repairs.

"We see the same faces so often, they become like part of the ship's company," he said.

Guided-missile frigates are multi-mission surface combatants, capable of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW) missions.

USS Ronald Reagan Returns from RIMPAC 2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stephen Votaw, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) returned to her homeport of San Diego Aug. 8 following participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010, which concluded Aug. 1 with a reception hosted in the aircraft carrier's hangar bays.

More than 1,500 participants, distinguished visitors and special guests celebrated the official end of RIMPAC 2010, which began June 23.

Thirty-two ships, five submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 20,000 personnel participated in RIMPAC, a biennial exercise that originated in 1971.

RIMPAC gave Sailors from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and the United States the opportunity to work together in a joint environment.

"Working with Sailors from around the Pacific provides the opportunity to learn from many different perspectives and reminds us how similar the challenges we face are," said Australian Capt. Vaughn Rixon, Sea Combat commander. "Being able to walk away from RIMPAC with a better understanding of our region and our partners, and perhaps a better understanding of our own capabilities, is the best thing about being a part of this exercise."

The exercise gave the crew of Ronald Reagan a chance to familiarize themselves with other navies they would not normally be working with and to participate in different ceremonies and activities used to increase the bonds of partnership with the participating countries.

Throughout the exercise, RIMPAC units trained on basic warfighting skills. Reagan conducted a live Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launch, firing at a simulated target.

"It was pretty impressive," said Cmdr. Sean Rando, combat direction center officer. "It was nice to see that our weapons system works as advertised."

The exercise allowed Reagan to test its RAM launcher weapons system for the first time since 2007. It also provided an opportunity for Sailors and Marines to watch as Reagan showed its weapon system in action. Sailors from Weapons department trained for the launch for several weeks prior to the event.

Sailors aboard the Ronald Reagan had many different experiences over the course of RIMPAC. Some may have been minimally affected by the exercise while others worked hand-in-hand with sailors from other countries and were involved in every aspect of the joint operation.

"I think I get the best experience of RIMPAC," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Julie Beduhn, a Sea Combat Command watchstander. "I am able to see and be involved with most of the operations the Ronald Reagan is involved in, and I get to work side-by-side with Sailors from seven different countries while I'm doing it."

The reception aboard Ronald Reagan was a way to celebrate the successful completion of RIMPAC and the renewed partnerships with U.S. allies in the Pacific region.

"Ronald Reagan and Carrier Air Wing 14 team did an outstanding job during RIMPAC 2010," said Ronald Reagan Command Master Chief Mark Rudes. "From in port phase engagements with RIMPAC cup sporting events to socializing out in town, getting the chance to see so many nations in one spot is really a once-in-a lifetime opportunity and the crew truly took advantage of this. Working alongside our foreign partners and bridging communication challenges helped make us more effective as one team instead of 14 separate forces."

Ronald Reagan departed on RIMPAC shortly after completing a six-month maintenance availability pier side at San Diego's Naval Air Station North Island.

Rudes believes RIMPAC was a great way for the ship's crew to get back into a battle rhythm.

"RIMPAC was a tremendous way to get us all back in the operational frame of mind," said Rudes. "Having Carrier Air Wing 14 embark with their four new fighter attack squadrons gave everyone the opportunity to establish working relationships and smooth out any unknowns before we head out on deployment. The training we were exposed to was a key element in how RIMPAC prepared us for future operations."

Sailors also had the chance to visit Hawaii during two port visits where Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) was on hand to cater to the needs of Sailors.

"MWR offered many discounted tours," said Kendra Smith, MWR department head. "We also offered discounted hotels, as well as sporting events and a friendly face to answer any last minute questions."

RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational maritime exercise which allows participating nations to work together to build trust and enhance partnerships needed to improve maritime security. RIMPAC demonstrated a commitment to working with global partners in guarding sea lanes, protecting national interests and ensuring freedom of navigation as a basis for global peace and prosperity.

RIMPAC 2010 Officially Concludes as Ships Return to Pearl Harbor

Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Brian Becker, front, from Salt Lake City, and Logistics Specialist 3rd Class James Heckwine, from Decatur, Ill., run to safety after connecting a cargo pendant to an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 during a vertical replenishment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is underway participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010, a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Top military leaders from 14 partner nations held a press conference at Merry Point Landing on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) July 30, officially marking the end of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercise.

A total of 32 ships and five submarines from seven nations returned to JBPHH July 30-31 after successfully completing the exercise.

"RIMPAC has clearly achieved everything we set it up to do," said Vice Adm. Richard Hunt, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet and commander, Combined Task Force. "We all met our training objectives and in doing so, as an international force, we have increased our interoperability, built upon our solid relationships, and improved the readiness, capability and capacity of the Pacific maritime forces."

The U.S. Pacific Fleet-event commenced June 23 in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands, involving more than 20,000 personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.

The exercise was designed to increase the operational and tactical proficiency of participating units in a wide array of maritime operations by enhancing military-to-military relations and interoperability.

The senior Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) leader, Rear Adm. Kazuki Yamashita, deputy commander of Combined Task Force, stated that RIMPAC was very important in helping establish maritime security in the Pacific.

"I would like to express my appreciation to [the] U.S. Navy who supported this exercise, and our friends of all nations who gave us (a) great impression about their professionalism," said Yamashita.

"From the Canadian perspective, RIMPAC 2010 has been a terrific opportunity for all of our forces," said Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Ron Lloyd and the maritime component commander for RIMPAC.

"The performance of all the participants across the various task forces in the maritime component were superbly planned and brilliantly executed which speaks to the tremendous leadership of the task force commanders all the way down to the individual units. All of the participating nations should be exceptionally proud of how their forces represented their respective countries in an extremely dynamic, challenging and complex exercise," said Lloyd.

During the exercise, participating countries conducted three sinking exercises, which included 140 discrete live-fire events - 30 surface-to-air engagements, 40 air-to-air missile engagements, 12 surface-to-surface engagements, 76 laser guided bombs and more than 1,000 rounds of naval gunfire from 20 surface combatants. In addition, units flew more than 3100+ air sorties, completed numerous maritime interdiction and vessel boardings, explosive ordnance disposal, diving and salvage operations and mine clearance operations and 10 major experiments – the major one the Marine Corps Enhanced Company Operations experiment.

Ground forces from five countries completed five amphibious landings, including nine helicopter born amphibious landings and 560 troops from ship-to-shore.

In all, 960 different training events were schedule and 96 percent were completed in all areas of the Hawaiian operations area – from Kaneohe Bay and Bellows, to the Pacific Missile Range Facility, to the Pohakuloa Training Area on the main island of Hawaii.

"It is this trust and confidence that we've developed amongst our international participants that is perhaps the most important aspect of RIMPAC. It is the one that is enduring," said Hunt. "It is this that will provide huge benefits in the realm of increased maritime security for years to come."

RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational maritime exercise. This year's RIMPAC exercise themed "Combined Agility, Synergy and Support," marked the 22nd exercise in the series that originated in 1971.

USS Hopper Participates in 2010 RIMPAC Exercises

The guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) fires a single surface-to-air SM-2 missile off the coast of Hawaii as the ship participates in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark Logico/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

USS HOPPER, At Sea (NNS) -- Three international service members and several U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen joined the crew of guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) July 14 to participate in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010, the world's largest multinational maritime exercise.

Hopper is engaging in several RIMPAC exercises, including a sinking exercises (SINKEX), a surface-to-air missile exercise and a Naval Surface Firing Support "Rodeo" exercise with other participating naval ships.

"There's a lot of experience to be gained for the people on board and their watch stations," said Cmdr. Kevin Melody, Hopper's commanding officer. "Another thing RIMPAC allows us to do is it let's us interact with our friends and allies around the Pacific region. It's about working together synergistically and taking the good thing that each of us brings to the table and creating something better as a whole."

More than 30 naval ships from seven allied nations joined RIMPAC 2010, which is taking place in Hawaiian waters.

"I think the benefits of having the Australian and the Colombians here on this ship is that they are feeding my youth - the junior enlisted, junior officers, the midshipmen and my chiefs," said Command Master Chief(SW/FMF/AW) Jay Stuckey, from the Hopper. "They know that they are the future."

During the SINKEX, eight naval vessels from the United States, Japan, France, Canada and Australia took turns shooting their gun systems at a decommissioned ship. Royal Australian Navy Midshipman Chris Abbott was on Hopper's flight deck when he witnessed the Australian Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga (FFGH 152) score hits on the decommissioned Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship ex-New Orleans (LPH 11).

"To actually see something like that, to have that experience where there's an expendable craft that's used as a target - that's outstanding," said Abbot. "To experience it firsthand is amazing."

The goal of the SINKEX training exercise was for the crew to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live-firing against targets.

"It made me exceptionally proud to see," said Abbott, in reference to the SINKEX. "To be able to hit the target is a good moment, and it really represented how efficient we are as a small navy. It's a great show of force from everyone."

Abbott, who been taking duties as a conning officer aboard Hopper since the beginning of RIMPAC, said that he was impressed at how friendly the crew was.

"I think the American people that I've met have been great," said Abbott. "The officers and enlisted alike have been really friendly. Everyone says 'good morning.'"

RIMPAC 2010 is a biennial event designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability. This marks the 22nd exercise in the series since the first RIMPAC exercise began in 1971.

Navy Pic of the Day: VMFA-323 Participating in RIMPAC 2010

A Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet assigned to the Death Rattlers of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 flies a mission during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey/Released)