Opening days of RIMPAC 2026, the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise

The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, the largest international maritime exercise in the world, has been ongoing in Hawaii from June 24 to July 31, 2026. Hosted by the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet, the exercise aims to improve interoperability and warfighting skills among participating nations while promoting a free Indo-Pacific region. The exercise involves 30 nations, over 30 surface ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 206 aircraft, and 30,000 personnel who train and operate in and around the Hawaiian Islands during the exercise. RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants that are critical to ensuring the security of sea lanes and stability across the region. The U.S. Navy states that the Rim of the Pacific exercise remains the premier multinational maritime training event, bringing together allies and partners committed to strengthening security and stability across the region. This year's theme is "Partners, Integrated and Prepared." The opening ceremony and press conference marked the start of RIMPAC 2026, the 30th iteration of the international maritime exercise, which is highlighted by the 250th anniversary of the United States. At Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Jeffrey T. Jablon, who serves as the Commander of Combined Task Forces and the Deputy Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, stated, "The purpose of RIMPAC is to strengthen relationships, improve interoperability, and enhance the readiness of participating forces to promote maritime security and regional stability in a free and open Indo-Pacific." "Since its inception in 1971, RIMPAC has grown into the world's largest international maritime exercise," Jablon said. "For 250 years, our nation has built enduring relationships with allies and partners based on trust, mutual respect, and shared interests," Jablon added. RIMPAC 2026 builds on the success of previous exercises that unite allies to showcase the maritime forces' flexibility and capability. The exercise includes a variety of training events, including amphibious operations, gunnery and missile exercises, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, military medicine, humanitarian assistance, counter-piracy, mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, diving, and salvage operations. This article was provided by The Associated Press.