22 countries participate in the world's largest military exercise in the Pacific
The world's largest military exercise reflects Washington's growing focus on the Pacific region.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser newspaper on May 9 quoted a statement from the US Navy announcing that the 23rd Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercise will be held in Hawaii from June 29 to August 3.
The world's largest international exercise will be larger than it was two years ago, reflecting the increased focus on
US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (Photo: Internet)
The focal point of the US Navy force will be the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. Surface ships will “fight” three submarines from Pearl Harbor and submarines from Australia, Canada and South Korea. Russia is also expected to join with a destroyer, an oiler and a rescue ship.
The theme of RIMPAC 2012 is “Capable, Adaptable, and Collaborative.” According to Vice Admiral Gerald Beaman, commander of the US 3rd Fleet, RIMPAC 2012 is the first exercise to be conducted by non-US officers.
The countries will practice together in various hypothetical scenarios, from disaster relief, maritime security operations, sea control and combined combat.
Training activities include amphibious operations, artillery, missile, anti-submarine, air defense, as well as anti-piracy, mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and rescue operations.
Most recently, the 2010 RIMPAC exercise involved 32 surface ships, five submarines, more than 170 aircraft and about 20,000 personnel.
According to VOV
