25,000 soldiers participate in RIMPAC 2012 exercise
The massive naval exercise of 22 countries took place in the context of the Asia-Pacific region being heated by the "return" of the US.
Warships from various countries are moving to Hawaii to participate in RIMPAC 2012.
A series of warships, submarines, and fighter planes from 22 countries have just started the exercise called Rim of the Pacific 2012 (RIMPAC 2012) in the Hawaiian Islands, USA. This is considered the world's largest periodic naval exercise, held every two years.
Taking place from June 29 to August 3, RIMPAC 2012 involves 42 warships, 6 submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 troops from 22 countries around the world. These 22 countries include Russia, Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Since 1971, RIMPAC has attracted more and more countries and its scale has also grown. If in 2006 there were only 8 participating countries, this number increased to 10 in 2008 and 14 in 2010. This year, the Russian Navy participated in RIMPAC for the first time and this country sent 3 ships including the destroyer Admiral Panteleyev, the tanker Boris Butoma and the rescue ship Fotiy Krylov of the Pacific Fleet to the exercise.
According to the US military, RIMPAC 2012 is “a rare opportunity for participating countries to develop and maintain vital cooperative relationships, while ensuring the safety and security of maritime routes.”
This year's world's largest naval exercise is hosted by the US Pacific Fleet under the command of Vice Admiral Gerald Beaman, Commander of the US Third Fleet.
RIMPAC 2012 marks the first time that senior officers from countries other than the United States will command different units of the participating forces. Specifically, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer of the Royal Australian Navy will command the naval unit. Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Michael Hood of the Royal Canadian Air Force will lead the air force participating in the exercise.
The exercise includes landing, shooting, missile launching, anti-submarine and air defense exercises. In addition, the exercise program also includes activities such as anti-piracy, mine clearance, explosive disposal, diving and rescue.
The massive naval exercise involving 22 countries takes place in the context of the Asia-Pacific region being heated by the "return" of the US. Washington recently announced that it will shift its security focus to the Asia-Pacific region. To do that, the US is aiming to send most of its warships to Asia while strengthening partnerships and cooperation with countries in the region. This US strategy is making China "restless".
According to VOV.vn - DT
