RIMPAC ("Rim of the Pacific Naval Exercises"), hosted by the US Navy, is the largest ocean military exercise in the world.  26 nations, more than 25,000 personnel,  47 ships, 5 submarines, and 250 planes are expected to participate in the month-long 2018 exercises.   RIMPAC has been held in Hawai`i biennially since 1971.

  

What does RIMPAC do?    RIMPAC simulates a hypothetical sea-battle between countries.  Cruise missiles with a range of 300 nautical miles are fired from ships and submarines.  Land-based missiles fire on ships.  Planes drop bombs on ocean targets.    The latest in weaponry is tested and operations include amphibious operations, gunnery, counter-piracy, mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, mass casualty exercises, and diving and salvage operations.   RIMPAC 2018 will host its first “Innovation Fair” at Pearl Harbor Naval Base which will showcase the latest U.S. weaponry for the international arms market. 

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