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The Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), the world's largest international maritime exercise, has returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii. This year Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, from June 27 to Aug. 1.
One of the events during RIMPAC is the open ship day when different partner nations participating in the exercise can host visitors aboard their ships and give them a tour. This year, hundreds turned out to explore the hosting navy vessels.
Among the vessels drawing crowds was the Peruvian Navy Makassar-class tank landing ship BAP Pisco (AMP 156), where Ensign Jose Vela expressed enthusiasm about sharing his culture with visitors.
"My favorite part is being able to get closer to foreign cultures through this program, and getting to share my piece with them," Vela said, highlighting the cultural exchange fostered by the event.
Scott Wellman, touring the ship with his family, found inspiration in learning about the humanitarian efforts facilitated by vessels like the BAP Pisco. "Our, or at least my, favorite part was hearing them talk about the humanitarian aid they do with these vessels, and their capabilities," Wellman said, while his young son shouted, “I loved the helicopters!”
Nearby, aboard the Royal New Zealand Navy auxiliary oiler replenishment ship HMNZS Aotearoa (A 11), Chief Mathew Scott observed the excitement among young visitors.
"Seeing the kids come on and having a good time, for sure," Scott said. "The kids' favorite part though, is definitely sitting in the captain's chair on the bridge. Yeah, they love feeling in charge."
The event is not only open to civilians, however. Service members are encouraged to tour the partner nation’s ships as well. New Zealand Corporal Kyle James Mcarthur, anticipating his own exploration after duty hours, shared his excitement about visiting a carrier.
"I'm hoping to go to the carrier when I get off work," Mcarthur said eagerly. "Yeah I want to get a picture with the jets; I am a huge aircraft nerd."
The open ship day at RIMPAC allows civilians and military personnel to interact closely with naval assets from participating countries, fostering mutual understanding and showcasing the maritime capabilities essential for global security and humanitarian assistance missions.
| Date Taken: | 07.06.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.08.2024 19:12 |
| Story ID: | 486853 |
| Location: | HONOLULU, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, RIMPAC 2024 Open Ship day, by PO3 Christopher Nielsen, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
