RIMPAC gets under way in southern California

The southern California portion of the international Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise has got under way, led by the US Navy’s Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC).

The SMWDC will put Commander Task Force (CTF) 177 through advanced mine warfare operations exercises, including mine countermeasure operations. CTF 177 comprises 26 units with approximately 1,100 personnel from the US, Australia, Canada, UK, Japan, the Netherlands and New Zealand.

Mine warfare training operations are structured into five phases: staging and integration; force integration training; two simultaneous tactical phases; and a debrief and refurbishment period. The operations aim to increase capability and build relationships between partners.

The CTF 177 team will also conduct an assessment of mine countermeasure forces in confined waters and sea lines of communication. Operational testing for MH-60S Seahawk airborne mine countermeasure systems – the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System and Airborne Mine Neutralization System – will also take place for the first time.

Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from 27 June to 2 August in and around the Hawaiian Islands and southern California. RIMPAC provides a training opportunity, while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans.