The Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) participation in the world’s largest international maritime exercise has come to an end.
The biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) was conducted in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California from 29 June to 4 August 2022, and featured 38 surface ships, three submarines, nine national land forces, more than 170 aircraft and approximately 25,000 personnel from 26 nations.
RIMPAC 2022 saw an Australian contingent of approximately 1,600 personnel, HMA Ships Canberra, Supply and Warramunga, two RAAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft, Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving capabilities, and a Joint Landing Force led by the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
Commander Australian Contingent, Commodore Paul O’Grady, DSM, CSM, RAN who led the 19 nation maritime component of the exercise, highlighted the importance of the strong relationships built during RIMPAC 2022
“The interchangeability and strong relationships that are built at each RIMPAC help make the Indo-Pacific region more secure and our Defence Force more capable,” Commodore O’Grady said.
“RIMPAC demonstrates that we have the architecture to integrate forces, platforms and capabilities; and enables us to learn more about our partners and ourselves.
“The return to a full-scale exercise this year, demonstrated capable, adaptive partners working together to increase the interoperability, resiliency, and agility needed by the joint and combined force.”
Key highlights for Australia during RIMPAC 2022 included:
- The first time Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ship HMAS Supply’s participated in an international exercise, conducting 22 replenishments at sea to transfer over seven million litres of fuel.
- Two United States Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey aircraft and support personnel embarked and integrated into HMAS Canberra for the duration of RIMPAC, advancing efforts to integrate the two nation’s amphibious forces.
- Royal Australian Air Force and Indian Navy P-8 aircraft worked together to conduct anti-submarine warfare.
- The Australian Army led a Multi-³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Landing Force with ground elements from Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Mexico and the United States.
- Royal Australian Navy Clearance Divers practiced underwater mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal and worked with their peers from Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United States.
First held in 1971, RIMPAC 2022 was the 28th iteration of the exercise.
