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	The Australian Navy frigate Newcastle (FFG 06) conducts plane-guard duties.. Photo by PHAN Charles D. Whetstine, USN
	Aboard the Australian auxiliary oil replenishment ship, HMAS Success (AOR 304), Australian Navy Able Seaman Communications Specialist Natalie Haumu retrieves a signal flag, as the ship begins a refuel-at-sea operation with the guided missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53). Photo by PH2 Bradley J. Sapp, USN
	Republic of Korea guided missile destroyers Chungmugong Yi Sunshin (DDG 975) and Euljimundok (DDG 972) moor at Pearl Harbor Naval Station before participating in RIMPAC 2004. Photo by PH2 Richard J. Brunson, USN
	Australian Navy Able Seaman Combat Systems Operator Ronnie Tullipan and U.S. Navy Electronics Technician Third Class Kristin Krueger work together aboard the HMAS Success (AOR 304). Photo by PH2 Class Bradley J. Sapp, USN
	The HMAS Success (AOR 304) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) line up for a refuel-at-sea operation.. Photo by PH1 Jane West, USN
	Chilean Navy frigate CS Lynch (PFG 07) prepares for an underway fuel replenishment. Photo by JOSN S.C. Irwin, USN

Amphibious Assault
After eliminating the threat from country Orange air and sea assets, an amphibious attack on Bellows Beach at Bellows Air Force Station on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu began. Coalition forces, including a company from the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) and U.S. Marines, assaulted the beach in armored attack vehicles and Landing Craft Air Cushions from the USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1).

Helicopters from the USS Tarawa flew over simulated country Orange assets to deliver forces as part of the invasion force. “We’re pleased with the way it progressed and we’re pleased with the coverage,” said Lt. Cmdr. Tietzel. “Everyone involved is getting good training. We’ve come a long way in being able to talk with each other,” he continued. “Now, we’re able to talk at the level we’ve always wanted to before. We don’t let little things stop us. We find ways around problems.”

Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation
Australian and U.S. forces conducted a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) exercise at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. A building on the range served as an American Consulate where evacuees waited for rescue. Protesters from the fictitious host nation hurled epithets at the gate. Agitators from an unfriendly neighboring country posed a looming terrorist threat; and a seasoned ambassador conducted tense negotiations.

Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) soldiers added to the realism and complexity of the NEO by role-playing both allied forces and evacuees, some of whom simulated opposing force infiltrators. “For my NCOs (non-commissioned officers) and my officers, they’ll get to see how an American evacuation operation works — but this time from the inside,” said RAR Maj. Tony Kaine. “The primary aim for this exercise is to develop interoperability between the RAR and the Marines and for us to develop expertise in amphibious operations in training areas and with equipment we don’t have access to in Australia,” he said.

Initially, a forward command element (FCE) moved ashore to assess the situation and provide the mock ambassador — played by retired U.S. Ambassador Edward Marks — with options for security and evacuation. Aided by Denis Reynolds, a special agent from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and U.S. Navy Capt. Timothy Murray, the FCE Officer in Charge, Ambassador Marks role-played every option available to calm the situation. He then called for the NEO when the threat to American citizens increased.

A number of planned training evolutions occurred, including many responses to improvised explosive devices and conducting safe transportation despite raids by opposing forces. U.S. Marine Capt. Gary Humphries noted that the “free-thinking” encouraged in the scenario forced NEO participants to make on-the-spot decisions. The Evacuation Control Center processed all mock evacuees through receiving, search and baggage control, administration/registration, and embarkation.

“ The mission is to rapidly, accurately, and safely process evacuees in order to facilitate non-combatant evacuation operations,” said U.S. Marine 2nd Lt. Marshall Lewis. Additional stations available, if needed, included a detention center, Judge Advocate General consultation, and medical evaluation. “We’re going to provide organic support to our folks and then provide medical care for any evacuee who might need it,” said U.S. Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman Jeffrey Smith. “We would be concerned about preventative medical care. I’d have to ensure we only took in food and water from safe sources,” he added.

U.S. Marines safely transported all 160 role-players via helicopter to the USS Tarawa (LHA 1) for processing. “We search just like customs — no fruits, vegetables, animals, or arms,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Dan Granados. Tarawa’s receiving stations mirrored those ashore regarding administration/registration, baggage control and medical, but also included attempts to comfort the evacuees, and provide food, drink, and berthing assignments.

Japanese P-3 Orion Crew Trains with U.S. Navy
“ During RIMPAC we train with the U.S. Navy.- This enables us to create new friendships and enhance our relationship with the United States,” said Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Lt. Cmdr. Shuichi Tsurusaki.

In Japan, aircraft crews must train in very confined areas, and because they are strictly a self-defense force, training with other nations is rare. “We are very lucky to get this chance to train abroad.- Only a few of us ever train outside of Japan,” said JMSDF Lt. Yusuke Kito, a P-3 pilot.

Aside from RIMPAC, the Japanese P-3 crew enjoyed sightseeing, cultural exchanges, shopping, and playing golf.- “The golf is great!- On base in Hawaii, I can play for one tenth the price of what I pay in Japan,” said Chief Petty Officer Nobuhiro Sawano.

JMSDF Lt j.g. Katsuo Hirano enjoyed mingling with people of different backgrounds. “I love the cultural diversity in America.- I speak some Chinese so I really enjoyed Chinatown in downtown Honolulu,” he said.

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