Asia Pacific Defense Forum Fall 2002

A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion from the USS Tarawa (LHA 1) transports U.S. Marines and their equipment for an over-the-beach landing during RIMPAC 2002.
PHOTO BY PH1 TED BANKS, USN

Biennial RIMPAC exercises hone the skills of all participants. Here, U.K. divers from the Royal Navy prepare underwater demolitions during RIMPAC 2002.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROYAL NAVY

U.S. Marines fire a 155-mm howitzer at the Pohakuloa Training Area during RIMPAC 2002.
PHOTO BY PH1 TED BANKS, USN

Conclusion

At the end of RIMPAC 2002, more than 500 officers from the seven nations attended a reception on board USS Tarawa (LHA 1) in Pearl Harbor. "I think it is fitting that we met here today for this reception because it demonstrates the leadership, partnership and friendship between the 36 ships involved in this exercise," said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Mark J. Edwards, Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group 5/Nimitz Battle Group.

USS Tarawa’s (LHA 1) hangar bay was set up like a Hawaiian luau, a traditional native Hawaiian meal. Each country’s participants added their own traditional foods. The U.S. Pacific Fleet Band provided music.

"We served Kailua pig and shared a booth with the Australians, who brought kabobs and kangaroo," said U.S. Navy MSSN Kevin Robert from the USS Port Royal (CG 73).

"We have had a great time out here, and we have learned a lot working together," said Royal Australian Navy Lt. Nicholas Field, Torpedo Officer aboard the submarine HMAS Sheean (SSG 77). "The reception has had a great turnout and was the perfect opportunity to put a face with the units involved in RIMPAC. I thought the cooperation among the multinational forces was excellent, and I believe it was good preparation for a potential real world operation."

Despite the decline in the number of participants and platforms due to the global war on terrorism, RIMPAC 2002 lost none of the operational momentum of previous years. Participants successfully tested technological innovations and concepts and enhanced skills in maritime cooperation gained in the multilateral phase of RIMPAC 2002. Participants will bring home lessons learned that will contribute to building the interoperability needed for future multilateral maritime operations.