27 Nations Set to Participate in Exercise: Rim of the Pacific

The 25th edition of the United States Navy-led Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2016 will bring together 45 ships, five submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel from the armed forces of 27 nations. The exercise will run from June 30 to August 4.

Canada’s contribution the RIMPAC 16 includes four warships: Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Calgary, HMCS Vancouver, HMCS Saskatoon and HMCS Yellowknife, a Royal Canadian Navy team of clearance divers, and a Forward Logistics Team.

The Canadian Armed Forces will also be providing several aircraft such as six CF-188 Hornets, one CC-130 Hercules, one CC-150 Polaris and one CP-140 Aurora, a Maritime Helicopter Detachment, and a Tactical Aviation Detachment consisting of four CH-146 Griffons and two CH-147 Chinooks.

In addition, more than 1,500 Canadian sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen, including a Company Group based on a Rifle Company from the Third Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment, based out of Valcartier, Quebec, will be present for the exercise.

“Canada has participated in every RIMPAC since 1971. Over the years, our participation has helped us build and foster collaborative relationships with our allies and partners in the region. RIMPAC 2016 will once again provide the Canadian Armed Forces with a valuable training opportunity, while demonstrating Canadian leadership and operational excellence abroad,” said Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan.

Held around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California, RIMPAC is one of the largest combined and joint maritime exercises. Participants will be challenged with unique training opportunities from humanitarian assistance and disaster response to maritime security and complex battle operations.

“RIMPAC 2016 is a valuable opportunity for all services of the Canadian Armed Forces to train together in a joint environment with international allies and partners. As Deputy Commander for the Combined Task Force, I am looking forward to working with our forces and our allies. The exercise will challenge our 1,500 Canadian men and women as we improve our readiness to respond to a range of potential operations, strengthen military-to-military partnerships, and enhance our ability to work effectively with participants from more than 25 nations,” said RAdm Scott Bishop, RIMPAC Deputy Commander Combined Task Force.

CAF members will also hold key leadership positions in RIMPAC 2016. RAdm. Scott Bishop will serve as the Deputy Commander of the Combined Task Force while BGen. Blaise Frawley will serve as the Air opponent Commander.

Feature Image courtesy of Forces Images :

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Calgary enters Pearl Harbor on June 25, 2014 to take part in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). Photo: Sgt Matthew McGregor, Canadian Forces Combat Camera IS2014-1011-01