Rim of the Pacific drill starts in Hawaii

August 18, 2020

This year's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise where a Philippine Navy contingent is among 10 countries taking part, began in Hawaii Monday.

In a published opening remarks recorded by the US 3rd Fleet and RIMPAC Commander,  Vice Adm. Scott Conn said "RIMPAC presents a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships and build trust."

"The work we will do will make us more capable and adaptive - ready to meet any challenge - be it a threat to international commerce and prosperity, or a natural disaster that requires a response from the sea," he said.

Lt. Commander Ryan Luna, Philippine Navy Naval Task Group 80.5 public affairs officer, said "the event was virtually graced by all the component commanders and senior representatives of participating  nations including the Philippine Navy's NTG 80.5 contingent represented by the Commanding officer of BRP Jose Rizal and concurrent contingent commander Capt. Jerry Garrido Jr."

In his statement, Garrido emphasized that "RIMPAC 20 will provide resources and environment that permits international participants like the Philippine Navy to achieve their individual and collective training objective."

"RIMPAC20 is a great avenue for our Navy to train participating commanders, staff and forces in planning and execution of combined naval operations," he said.

"It will likewise provide an opportunity for officer and crew of FF150 to work in conjunction as a team since most of them have undergone separate, individual trainings," he added.

Luna said because of the ongoing pandemic, this year's RIMPAC will be executed purely at sea.

"Because of the COVID-19 pandemic the Rim of the Pacific 2020 exercise will be toned-down. Ten countries with 22 ships, one submarine and approximately 5,300 personnel will take part in this year's exercise," he said.

The participating nations for this year's RIMPAC are Australia,  Brunei, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore and the United States, he added. Robina Asido/DMS