By Lt. j.g. Cassidy Rasmussen, Rim of the Pacific Public Affairs
USS PORT ROYAL, At Sea (NNS) -- During Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008, which runs from June 29 through July 31, USS Port Royal (CG 73) fired nearly every weapon system aboard and tested every sensor in operations with ships, submarines and aircraft from the U.S. and seven other countries.
The Port Royal crew gained valuable experience conducting both surface and anti-submarine warfare operations. During one training opportunity, the cruiser worked with units from Chile and the Republic of Korea to track an Australian diesel submarine.
"It's really important for us to get real-world experience searching for and tracking diesel submarines," said Sonar Technician 2nd Class (SW) Tara Kerrin. "We have simulators, but nothing can simulate actually working in a realistic [operational] environment. The U.S. doesn't have diesel subs anymore, so exercises like RIMPAC give us a great training opportunity with other navies."
In another training evolution, the ship had the opportunity to fire an SM-2 standard air-attack missile.
"We have practiced it so much, but there's a point in the launch sequence where we can't simulate anymore – we only see it when it's the real thing," said Lt. j.g. Corry Lougee, Port Royal fire control officer. "We got to that point, and it was intense."
"The training is invaluable," said Capt. David Adler, Port Royal commanding officer. "The opportunities we have during these few weeks to see our equipment and people operate in real-world environments can't be replicated in scenarios. It's also a chance for us to see how well we can integrate with our partner navies and try new methods and tactics. RIMPAC is an exciting event, and I embrace this opportunity for Port Royal to represent the U.S."
Combined and joint military exercises like RIMPAC demonstrate the Navy's commitment to working with global partners to protect the maritime freedom that is the basis for global prosperity.
"I'm excited and really looking forward to this cruise," said Midshipman 1st Class Samantha Greco, who is from the Northwestern University's recruit officer training command unit in Evanston, Ill. Greco is underway with Port Royal for the four-week RIMPAC at-sea phase.
"I want to be a surface warfare officer, and this month is going to give me a snapshot of everything the surface Navy does."
RIMPAC, hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, is the world's largest biennial maritime exercise. It demonstrates the Navy's commitment to working with our global partners in protecting the maritime freedom as a basis for global prosperity and to ensure stability throughout the Pacific. Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, Vice Adm. Samuel J. Locklear is the Combined Task Force commander responsible for overall exercise coordination.
RIMPAC has been conducted since 1971. This year's exercise consists of 10 nations, 35 ships, six submarines, over 150 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Coast Guardsmen. Participants include Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, United Kingdom and the United States.
