Operations and exercises rarely feature beautiful blue waters and tropical breezes, but they were awaiting the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as they made significant contributions to the success of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024.
RIMPAC 2024 was the largest iteration of the biennial exercise, in which Canada has participated since the exercise’s inception in 1971. The overall exercise was conducted by 29 nations providing approximately 25,000 personnel, 14 land forces, 40 ships, three submarines, and over 150 aircraft. Aimed at contributing to the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, RIMPAC provided an invaluable opportunity for partners to hone their skills in the world’s largest joint, combined maritime domain exercise from June 27 to August 1, 2024. Led by the Commander of the United States 3rd Fleet, Vice Admiral John Wade, the exercise adopted the motto “Partners, Integrated, Prepared.”
The CAF contingent at RIMPAC 2024 was no small group. Comprised of approximately 650 personnel, three aircraft, and three ships, the contingent worked tirelessly to develop and demonstrate interoperable capabilities and showcase Canadian professionalism to the world.
Commodore (Cmdre) Kristjan Monaghan served as Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander, a key role within the exercise. “As the Commander of the Combined Forces Maritime Component Command, I am so energized and excited to see these 29 nations conducting excellence in operations at sea and showcasing the very best of their nations as part of exercise RIMPAC.”
Celebrating their centennial year, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) showcased their expertise and professionalism. Colonel Jeff Davis served as Deputy Commander for the Combined Forces Air Component Commander (CFACC). The RCAF contributed two CP-140 Aurora aircrafts to the CFACC, in addition to HMCS Vancouver’s embarked CH-148 Cyclone. Major Scott MacDonald, Deck Commander for the CP-140 Aurora detachment, described RIMPAC as, “a prime exercise for coalition partners from around the world to join forces, and train together; doing missions, navy and air combined, to get better. It is a great opportunity for all.”
His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays became the first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) to participate in RIMPAC and also became the first APOV to have a foreign helicopter use its flight deck on July 10, 2024, when pilots and crews from the US Army’s 25th Combat Aviation Brigade conducted Deck Landing Qualifications.
HMCS Vancouver and Motor Vessel Asterix also contributed invaluable naval support throughout the exercise, sailing in consort with partner vessels, and demonstrating why Canada is such a highly valued ally. The crew of HMCS Vancouver, having worked hard throughout the exercise, is now advancing Canadian interests by contributing to operations in the Indo-Pacific region. This commitment enhances Canada’s reputation for maritime expertise globally, reinforcing our objectives in the Indo-Pacific.
“When I reflect on exercise RIMPAC, [it] is more than just a military exercise,” Cmdre Monaghan said. “It is an event that brings together nations with shared values of a free and open Indo-Pacific. And that is truly the essence in the spirit of exercise RIMPAC.”