Asia Pacific Defense Forum Fall 2002

Canadian Air Force crewmembers operate the multi-role CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft during RIMPAC antisubmarine warfare maneuvers.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CANADIAN AIR FORCE

The Republic of Korea Navy submarine ROKS Nadaeyung (SS 069) surfaces after launching an UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile at the decommissioned target ship, the ex-USS White Plains (AFS 4), during a RIMPAC SINKEX.
PHOTO BY PH3(AW) MICHAEL J. PUSNIK, JR., USN

Japanese and U.S. naval P-3c Orion aircraft fly over some of the RIMPAC exercise warships off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii.
PHOTO BY PH1(NAC) JAMES MCCARTER, USN

U.S. Navy Lt. Michael Morera, USS Lassen’s (DDG 82) weapons officer, explained the experience of integrating multination ships in such exercises. "It’s a major technology challenge. We had to link-up with several ships’ missile systems, including Japan, and everyone had to be at the right place at the right time. We also had to clear 125 miles (200 km) of ocean. . . . Operations like this can increase our teamwork and understanding of each other."

In the second SINKEX, the Republic of Korea submarine ROKS Nadaeyong (SS 069) and patrol craft ROKS Wonju (PCC 769) both fired Harpoon missiles that hit the ex-USS White Plains. This was the first time these vessels launched Harpoon missiles.

A combination of gunfire and missiles from ships, submarines, and aircraft — including gunfire from the 5-inch guns of USS Port Royal (CG 73) and ROKS Yangmanchoon (DDG 973), gunfire from the 76mm gun of USS Ingraham (FFG 61), and Harpoon missiles fired from a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3 Orion aircraft and two Royal Australian Air Force P-3 Orion aircraft — sank the ex-USS White Plains in 2,500 fathoms of water.

In the third and final sinking, a variety of surface-to-surface and air-to-surface missiles and naval guns sank the ex-USS Harold E. Holt. Participating platforms included USN P-3 Orion aircraft, U.S. Navy SH-60 Seahawk helicopters, the USS Crommelin (FFG-37), the USS Ingraham (FFG-61), and the USS Paul F. Foster (DD-964).

Amphibious Assault

In the last phase of RIMPAC 2002, the USMC’s amphibious warship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) and landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) conducted a full-scale amphibious assault exercise off the Hawaiian Islands.