Australian Defence Force in Key RIMPAC 14 Role
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) says it is playing a key role in the world’s largest maritime exercise taking place in and around the islands of Hawaii.
Hosted by the United States Pacific Fleet, Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2014 (RIMPAC 14) will see 23 nations, 48 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel – with approximately 970 ADF members from all three Services – taking part.
The Australian Contingent Commander, Rear Admiral Simon Cullen, said RIMPAC provides the ADF with the chance to operate alongside regional neighbours.
“As economic and strategic weight shifts to the Asia-Pacific, it will be increasingly important for Pacific Rim nations to work together to continue to promote security and prosperity,” RADM Cullen said.
“The exercise is a unique opportunity to build interoperability and cultivate ties with the armed forces of Pacific Rim countries. It reflects the closeness of our alliance with the United States and the strength of our military relationships with other regional defence partners.”
Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the People’s Republic of China, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the United States will aspire to the RIMPAC 2014.
The People’s Republic of China, Brunei, and two hospital ships, United States Naval Ship Mercy and People’s Liberation Army Navy Peace Ark will also participate in the exercise for the first time.
Pictured: Able Seaman Bosuns Mate Stephen Hughes carries out some rope work as part of on going maintenance required for the serviceability of HMAS Success, which is needed when conducting Seamanship Evolutions, as the ship and crew make their passage en route to Hawaii to participate in Ex RIMPAC 2014.
