Australia slashes participation at RIMPAC

Approximately 320 Australian Defence Force personnel have joined 28 international partners to undertake the world’s largest international maritime exercise.

CAPTION: HMAS Sydney arrives in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii in preparation for Rim of the Pacific 2024. Photo by Leading Seaman Daniel Goodman.

Held across training areas in and around the Hawaiian Islands from 27 June to 1 August, Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 is a biennial international military exercise hosted by Commander US Pacific Fleet.

This year’s ADF contribution has been limited to one ship and one aircraft, down from 2022’s three ships, two aircraft, mine-warfare and clearance-diving capabilities, and a Joint Landing Force led by 2RAR – for a total contingent of 1600 personnel.

Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class guided missile destroyer HMAS Sydney and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon will represent Australia .

Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, said Australia’s participation in RIMPAC reflects the closeness of our alliance with the United States and the strength of our military relationships with other regional defence partners.

“We face complex strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, and the ADF will take every opportunity to assure our friends that Australia has the ability and the intent to stand by its alliances, agreements and bilateral relationships,” Lieutenant General Bilton said.

This year, RIMPAC will feature 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, land forces from 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and approximately 25,000 personnel.

RIMPAC24 Commander Australian Contingent, Air Commodore Louise desJardins said ADF personnel would exercise across a broad spectrum of scenarios from humanitarian assistance and disaster response to maritime security operations, sea control and complex warfighting.

“This year marks the first time HMAS Sydney will participate in RIMPAC, the ship and her crew will be evaluating capabilities in training and live-fire exercises,” Air Commodore desJardins said.

“[The Royal Australian] Air Force will deploy one P-8A Poseidon aircraft to contribute to high-end warfighting capabilities in realistic maritime scenarios aimed at enhancing interoperability.

“RIMPAC is a great opportunity for Australia to strengthen international partnerships and improve readiness for a wide range of potential operations.”

 

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