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Despite pandemic, Rim of the Pacific exercise is underway around Hawaii

Ten nations take part in at-sea-only RIMPAC 2020
RIMPAC 2020
Petty Officer 2nd Class Dan Bard/Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet
200821-N-NO842-3027 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 21, 2020) Multinational navy ships and a submarine steam in formation during a group sail off the coast of Hawaii during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2020, August 21. "Like-minded nations come together in RIMPAC in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific where all nations enjoy unfettered access to the seas and airways in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) upon which all nations’ economies depend,” said Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet. Ten nations, 22 ships, 1 submarine, and more than 5,300 personnel are participating in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) from August 17 to 31 at sea in the waters surrounding Hawaii. RIMPAC is a biennial exercise designed to foster and sustain cooperative relationships, critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The exercise is a unique training platform designed to enhance interoperability and strategic maritime partnerships. RIMPAC 2020 is the 27th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Royal Canadian Navy photo by MS Dan Bard)
RIMPAC 2020
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PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - The COVID-19 pandemic might have changed the massive Rim of the Pacific naval exercise this year, but it didn't stop it.

Right now, ten nations including the United States are taking part in Rim of the Pacific, better known as RIMPAC.

The exercise around the Hawaiian Islands involves 22 ships, a submarine, multiple aircraft, and more than 5,000 Sailors.

Because of the pandemic, RIMPAC 2020 is being held only at sea to minimize risk.

"While COVID-19 presents some challenges, all RIMPAC participants are practicing disciplined COVID mitigations to protect the citizens of Hawaii, the force, and prevent the spread of the virus while gaining invaluable experience working alongside our valued partners at sea," said Admiral John Aquilino, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, in a statement.

RIMPAC started in 1971 and this year marks the 27th running of the exercise.

From live-fire training to anti-submarine warfare, the exercise is focused on making sure partner nations can operate with one another.

Australia, Brunei, Canada, France, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Republic of the Philippines, and Singapore all have forces participating with the U.S. Navy.

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