RIMPAC 2006

Seven Pacific Rim nations, along with the United Kingdom, participated in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2006, a major maritime exercise conducted in the waters off Hawaii from June 26 through July 28, 2006. RIMPAC 2006 brought together military forces from Australia, Canada, Chile, Peru, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.

This exercise is the 20th in a series of RIMPAC exercises conducted periodically since 1971. Over 40 ships, 6 submarines, 160 aircraft and almost 19,000 Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Coast Guardsmen participated in RIMPAC training operations. RIMPAC is intended to enhance the tactical proficiency of participating units in a wide array of combined operations at sea. By enhancing interoperability, RIMPAC helps to promote stability in the Pacific Rim region to the benefit of all participating nations. The United States THIRD Fleet, commanded by Vice Admiral Barry Costello, was responsible for overall exercise coordination. Individual units remained under operational command of their respective national commanders throughout the exercise.

Photo by MC3 (AW) M. Jeremie Yoder

Pacific Ocean (July 25, 2006) -- To commemorate the last day of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2006, participating countries’ naval vessels fell into ranks to pose for the camera. Here, USS Key West (SSN 722) steams along as she seeks to join the formation.

Photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman James R. Evans

Pacific Ocean (July 25, 2006) -- The Australian Submarine HMAS Rankin (Hull 6) and the Los Angeles Class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) prepare to join the multinational formation with other ships that participated in the Rim of the Pacific exercise.

Photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman James R. Evans

Pacific Ocean (July 25, 2006) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) leads the final formation of ships and submarines from the United States Navy, as well as the navies of the seven other nations which participated in the 2006 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.

RIMPAC 2006