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.

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.

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.

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)

Ships Depart Pearl Harbor for RIMPAC 2010 Exercises

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

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- A total of 32 ships and five submarines from seven nations departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) July 6-7 to participate in exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 in the Pacific Ocean.

As the ships departed JBPHH, the exercise kicked off operational Phase II of the three-phase event.

Phase II began July 6 and continues until July 24. This portion includes live fire gunnery and missile exercises, maritime interdiction and vessel boardings, anti-surface warfare, undersea warfare, naval maneuvers and air defense exercises.

Participants will collaborate in explosive ordnance disposal, diving and salvage operations, mine clearance operations and amphibious operations during Phase II.

"This is the largest RIMPAC that we've had," said Vice Adm. Richard Hunt, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. "This exercise clearly focuses on maritime domain awareness, dealing with expanded military operations across the complete spectrum of warfare."

The RIMPAC exercises will test the participating nations' capabilities to work together and strengthen their ability to communicate and operate in simulated maritime scenarios.

RIMPAC will conclude July 25 with tactical Phase III, involving scenario-driven exercises designed to further strengthen maritime skills and capabilities.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet-event includes participating units and personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.

RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational maritime exercise, with more than 20,000 personnel participating in this year's event in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands. The exercise is themed "Combined Agility, Synergy and Support," and marks the 22nd exercise in the series that originated in 1971.

Group Sail Sets Stage for RIMPAC 2010

From Rim of the Pacific Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Chosin (CG 65) pulled into Lualualei, Hawaii July 1, marking the end to a group sail that has brought ships representing Canada, France, Australia, Japan and the United States from the International Fleet Review in Victoria, British Columbia to the Hawaii Operating Area in preparation for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010.

"The International Group Sail from Victoria, B.C. to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was a great opportunity to work closely with our sister navies of the Pacific Rim. All of the RIMPAC partner nations rely on the maritime domain for prosperity, and the security of that domain is vital to individual national interests," said Capt. James Autrey, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 23. "Over the course of 11 days we learned from each other and operated with unity of effort while preparing for the RIM of the Pacific Exercise 2010."

Since departing Victoria June 14, ships participating in the group sail have coordinated together on exercises and training operations ranging from anti-surface warfare to group maneuvering as a means of establishing bonds and lines of communication.

"Developing relationships with and among the Sailors of the world leads to developing and building relationships with the peoples of the world," said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Gala, operations officer aboard Chosin. "Firsthand relationships with the representatives from each of these countries only deepens an understanding of the seagoing and warfighting tradition, and more recently the peacekeeping tradition."

And it is these bonds and lines of communication that will carry over into RIMPAC 2010.

"Working up to a running speed with any other group of motivated and gifted individuals requires at least a little practice and modicum. Sharing something like a centennial celebration with the Canadian navy and then sharing time at sea provides the nesting time required before such a robust event," said Gala.

And it is this sense of cooperation and building towards the future that makes the group sail a success.

"Opportunities to go on a foreign warship at-sea are rare. I had such an opportunity and won't soon forget it," said Ensign Daron Weber, food service officer aboard Chosin. Weber visited the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Akebono (DD 108) as part of a personnel exchange conducted between Chosin and Akebono.

"One thing I've experienced in the Navy is that it is small. The same could be said for an international navy. We very well might never cross paths again, but our experience in the personnel transfer will help sailors on both sides in the future," said Weber.

Now in Hawaii, Chosin and her partnering ships switch focus from the group sail to RIMPAC.

RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational maritime exercise, with 14 nations, 32 ships and over 20,000 personnel taking part this year. A biennial exercise, RIMPAC stresses the necessity of operational readiness in the Pacific and the sentiment that building relationships with our global partners ensures maritime freedom for all. This year marks the 22nd in a series of RIMPAC exercises conducted since 1971.

Airmen participate in RIMPAC 2010 international maritime exercise

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- The 613th Air and Space Operations Center here is serving as the central hub for data and voice communications during the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise June 23 through Aug. 1.

The state-of-the-art facility enables a multinational team to provide command and control of air and space assets during RIMPAC, the world's largest international maritime exercise.

"The 613th AOC is equipped to ensure the flow of information between all the exercise's players," said Brig. Gen. Thomas Harwood III, the mobilization assistant to the commander of 13th Air Force and the combined forces air component commander for RIMPAC 2010.

RIMPAC 2010 employs more than 20,000 people from 14 nations and more than 100 aircraft, 34 ships and five submarines. This year's exercise includes units or people from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.

"The exercise is designed to increase tactical proficiency of participating units in a wide array of combined operations at sea," the general said, "to include our air component flying a variety of sorties involving fighter aircraft, bombers, tankers, electronic warfare, command and control, and airlift."

U.S. Air Force aircraft participating in RIMPAC include B-52 Stratofortresses, C-17 Globemaster IIIs, E-3 Sentries, F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, KC-135 Stratotankers, HC-130 Hercules and HH-60 Pave Hawks.

Hosted by the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC is the 22nd in a series of significant international multilateral combined and joint military exercises scheduled biennially and demonstrates a commitment to working with global partners in guarding the sea lanes of commerce and communication, protecting national interests abroad and ensuring freedom of navigation as a basis for global peace and prosperity.

"RIMPAC provides an excellent opportunity for our Airmen to sharpen their warfighting skills while increasing interoperability with our joint and global partners," General Harwood said. "We are building relationships that will help promote security across the region."

Participating U.S. Air Force units include the 20th Bomb Squadron from Barksdale Air Force Base, La.; the California Air National Guard's 194th Fighter Squadron from Fresno, Calif.; the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron from Eglin AFB, Fla.; 13th Air Force, the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron, the 535th Airlift Squadron, the 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron and the Hawaii Air National Guard's 199th FS, all from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; the 44th FS from Kadena Air Base, Japan; the 964th Airborne Control Squadron, the 970th ACS, the 513th Air Control Group and the 465th Air Refueling Squadron from Tinker AFB, Okla.; the 422nd TES from Nellis AFB, Nev.; and the 39th Rescue Squadron and the 301st RS from Patrick AFB, Fla.

USS Ronald Reagan Arrives in Hawaii for RIMPAC 2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aaron Stevens, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) arrived in Pearl Harbor June 28 to participate in the 22nd Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise with allied navies.

The exercise, first held in 1971, is the largest maritime event in the world, comprised of 14 navies, 34 ships, five submarines, more than 100 aircraft and 20,000 personnel.

Ronald Reagan is the sole aircraft carrier participating in the exercise.

"USS Ronald Reagan is a key component of RIMPAC 2010," said Capt. Kenneth J. Norton, commanding officer of USS Ronald Reagan. "The ability to have an aircraft carrier and carrier air wing as part of a combined coalition task force is of great benefit to the varied naval units participating."

During the in port phase of RIMPAC, officers and crew of the 14 participating navies interact in receptions, meetings and athletic events. While in Hawaii, the Ronald Reagan crew will take advantage of many exciting tour packages offered through the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department.

"My plan is to go to a luau or two, do some tours and souvenir shopping," said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW/SW) Royce Cormier. "I'm looking forward to parasailing. I haven't done it before, so it's a real treat."

Even though there will be some time to relax at the beach, a major focus of Ronald Reagan Sailors' visit is to mingle with crew members of participating navies to include Australia, Canada, Chile, Columbia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Thailand.

"This port visit isn't used like other ports as a breather for the crew," said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Aaron Mitcheltree. "It's a by-product of the reason we're pulling in, which is to build relationships with other countries. It will be nice to talk to other foreign Sailors about the differences and build camaraderie between the different countries so they realize how alike we really are. They will also get to see the little ways we conduct business differently."

For some Ronald Reagan Sailors, like Cormier, this isn't the first RIMPAC they've participated in.

"It's a different battle group and different nations," said Cormier. "Each time we have a RIMPAC, it seems like the importance gets higher than the years past. I have no doubt that Ronald Reagan will surpass the previous ones."

According to Norton, each Ronald Reagan Sailor understands his/her individual role in coalition building, which is one of the cornerstones of RIMPAC exercises.

"Working with 13 other navies in these realistic scenarios makes our Navy better across the spectrum," said Norton. "While sharpening our skills we make lasting friendships. We are happy to be here."

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RIMPAC 2010 Officially Opens

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

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Top military leaders from 14 partner nations held a press conference to officially launch the 2010 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Lockwood Hall on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam June 28.

Adm. Patrick Walsh, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT); and Vice Adm. Richard Hunt, commander, Combined Task Force welcomed the participating foreign navies as they announced the official start of the month-long exercise.

"For us to be able to hold this exercise today represents a substantial commitment by the countries that are participating and represented here," said Walsh. "Our goal is to ensure a reciprocal level of commitment in terms of training opportunities for those who are here."

The exercise will bring to together units and personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.

"It's an honor to stand here before you with the leadership that we have from each of the 14 nations that are represented in the Rim of the Pacific exercise 2010," said Hunt. "Throughout the one month period, a tremendous gathering of like minded nations will be working together to secure the maritime domain in a way that we have not been able to achieve in the past. We really look forward to the exercise."

Walsh said that information sharing is a key enabler and a force multiplier which is one of the key points of the exercise.

"It gives us opportunities when we have the ability to communicate with each other to take full advantage of the respective capabilities that each nation brings to the sea," said Walsh.

During the exercise, participating countries will conduct gunnery, missile, anti-submarine, and air defense exercises, as well as maritime interdiction and vessel boarding, explosive ordnance disposal, diving and salvage operations, mine clearance operations, and an amphibious landing.

Hunt said that the exercise will also emphasize littoral operations with ships like littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1), the French frigate Prairial (F 731) and the Singapore frigate RSS Supreme (70).

RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational maritime exercise, and will take place in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands. The exercise is themed "Combined Agility, Synergy and Support," and marks the 22nd exercise in the series that originated in 1971.