Multi-National Submarines Participate in RIMPAC 2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

June 24, 2010 - PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Republic of Korea Submarine (ROKS) Lee Eokgi (SS 071) arrived here in early June, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) submarine Mochishio (SS 600) arrived Monday at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise that began yesterday and continues through Aug. 1.

These two submarines, along with U.S. Navy submarines USS Bremerton (SSN 698), USS Pasadena (SSN 752) and USS Columbus (SSN 762), will participate in numerous operations displaying their warfare capabilities during RIMPAC.

RIMPAC is a multinational exercise that prepares forces to be interoperable and ready for a wide range of potential operations. The biennial exercise affords an opportunity to train and operate in a multinational environment, strengthening maritime partnerships while increasing personnel proficiency and honing participants' ability to adapt to changing environments.

"RIMPAC is a great opportunity to train and work together as a team, establish a strong partnership with various military forces and having the capability of executing any task." said Lt. Cmdr. Myungho Jung, executive officer of ROKS Lee Eokgi. "This mission has already presented a positive impact on the crew. To be able to communicate to each other with a full understanding, despite the language barrier, displays camaraderie, a true milestone in the career of each and every one of them."

The exercise is designed to enhance the tactical proficiency of units in a variety of sea operations. This year 14 nations, 32 ships, five submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 20,000 personnel will participate in the biennial RIMPAC in the Hawaiian operating area in, and around, the islands of Hawaii.

"This training exercise is of vital importance for the crew of Mochishio," said Cmdr. Yasuteru Ueta, commanding officer, JMSDF Mochishio. "To have the opportunity to compare and improve their submarine tactical skills and training techniques with not only U.S. forces, but with forces from all over the world will strengthen their knowledge in joint training operations."

"The crew of the Pasadena is excited to be a part of this multinational exercise," said Chief Electronics Technician (SS) Steve Boching, USS Pasadena assistant navigator. "RIMPAC is an excellent opportunity for us to strengthen ties with our allies and the numerous types of at-sea training attained will be invaluable to all submariners who are participating."

Hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC 2010 is themed "Combined Agility, Synergy and Support," and marks the 22nd exercise in the series that originated in 1971.