By MARTIN A. SADONGDONG
The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) deployed 18 personnel to participate in the prestigious Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2024 in Hawaii Islands and Southern California, a ranking military officer said.
PMC commandant Major Gen. Arturo Rojas said on Monday, July 15, that the Filipino marines will join their counterparts from the United States Marine Forces Pacific (USMARFORPAC) and other nations’ marines and naval infantries in a series of complex and demanding training activities.
Such exercises range from disaster relief to maritime security operations, and from sea control to complex warfighting, according to the United States Pacific Fleet.
Relevant, realistic preparation and training syllabus also include amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine, and air defense exercises, as well as military medicine, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations, it added.
Rojas said the exercises were designed to enhance interoperability, foster mutual understanding, and improve operational effectiveness among participating nations.
It also aims to strengthen maritime partnerships, enhance maritime security, and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, he added.
“Our participation in RIMPAC 2024 is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of our Marines. We are honored to train with our allies and partners, and we look forward to the challenges and opportunities this exercise presents,” Rojas said.
Held biennially, RIMPAc is the world’s largest international maritime exercise which brings together military forces from around the globe.
A total of 29 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 August 1.
This year’s RIMPAC is the 29th iteration of the exercise which began in 1971, and carries the theme “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.”
The Philippine Navy (PN) earlier said that it has decided not to send vessels for RIMPAC 2024 as its assets are currently being used in various missions.