Tonga in U.S. led RIMPAC 2018 [1]
Wednesday, July 4, 2018 - 23:07
Thirty-eight Tongan soldiers from His Majesty’s Armed Forces are currently participating in the world's largest international maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC 2018).
Led by Contingent Leader Major Soane ‘Aholelei, the Tongans are joined the exercise which started on June 27 to August 2, in Hawaii and southern California.
Hosted by the Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC 2018 is led by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, Vice Adm. John D. Alexander and includes around 26 nations, 47 surface ships, five submarines, 17 national land forces, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel for maneuvers.
The exercise is designed to foster cooperation to ensure the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.
Forces are taking part in activities ranging from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex war fighting.
The training includes amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as counter-piracy operations, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations.
Forces are from Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Republic of Korea, Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.
China is excluded from the American led excercise this year.
Tonga's defence force has regularly participated in the exercise, which is held every two-years.
RIMPAC first began in 1971.