Exercise Rim-of-the-Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 is underway, bringing together 14 Pacific Rim nations, including the United States, Australia South Korea, Indonesia and Canada for nearly a month of military exercises.
It is the Australian Defence Force's largest international maritime exercise, with three ships, two AP-3C Orion aircraft and approximately 1,200 personnel involved in Hawaii.
The Commander of Australia's contingent to RIMPAC 10, Commodore Stuart Mayer, says the biannual exercise will be the ultimate test of how Australia operates with its Pacific partners.
"This RIMPAC will also give both the navy and army a chance to exercise in an amphibious space," Commodore Mayer said.
"The first of two new Australian amphibious Landing Helicopter Dock ships (LHDs) is due to be completed in 2014 so we continue to exercise our developing amphibious capability in this environment. The information sharing opportunities presented by RIMPAC directly contribute to our preparations for the LHD."
Australian Navy ships 'HMAS Kanimbla', 'Newcastle' and 'Warramunga'; Navy Clearance Divers; soldiers from the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment; and members of 11 Squadron and 92 Wing from Royal Australian Air Force Base Edinburgh in South Australia are taking part.
This RIMPAC will be the last for the Navy's 817 Sea King Squadron, which is due to be de-commissioned in 2011.
RIMPAC 2010 will be conducted until the August 1, 2010.
