RIMPAC 2026 naval exercises begin in Hawaii

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii — An opening ceremony and press conference on June 24 marked the start of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, the 30th iteration of what organizers describe as the world’s largest international maritime exercise.

Thirty nations, more than 30 surface ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, over 206 aircraft and 30,000 personnel will train in and around the Hawaiian Islands through July 31. The exercise is designed to provide large-scale, realistic training while strengthening cooperative ties deemed vital to safeguarding sea lanes and regional stability.

“The Rim of the Pacific exercise continues to be the world’s premier multinational maritime training event, bringing together allies and partners committed to strengthening security and stability across the region,” said Vice Adm. Jeff Jablon, RIMPAC 2026 Commander, Combined Task Forces (CCTF), “By training together in complex, realistic scenarios, participating nations improve readiness, sharpen warfighting skills, and strengthen the interoperability required to operate effectively alongside one another whenever and wherever needed.”

This year marks a milestone as the 30th exercise in a series that began in 1971. As the world’s largest joint and combined maritime exercise, RIMPAC brings together diverse force capabilities in dynamic conditions to demonstrate lasting interoperability across a full range of military operations.

The 2026 theme, “Partners: Integrated and Prepared,” emphasizes collective readiness and the ability of multinational forces to operate together in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, the multinational leadership team includes Chilean Navy Commodore Andres Howard as Deputy Commander, Combined Task Force; Rear Adm. Takuo Kobayashi of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force as Vice Commander, Combined Task Force; Rear Adm. In-Ho Kim of the Republic of Korea Navy as Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander; and Brig. Gen. J.S. Davis of the Royal Canadian Air Force as Combined Forces Air Component Commander.

Training events span amphibious operations, gunnery and missile exercises, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, military medicine, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, counter-piracy, mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations.

Throughout the exercise, participating forces will operate together to bolster readiness, reinforce international partnerships, and advance regional security objectives.