HONOLULU (KHON2) — The world’s largest international maritime exercise, the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) has returned to the islands for its 29th training on Thursday.
25,000 military personnel from 29 nations will participate in trainings in the air, at sea, and on the ground.
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“The exercise purpose is to build relationships, to enhance interoperability and proficiency, and ultimately contribute to the peace and stability in the vitally important Indo-Pacific region,” said Vice Admiral John Wade, Commander of the U.S. Navy’s third fleet.
RIMPAC calls nations from across the Pacific to gather every two years for joint military training to prepare for natural disasters and humanitarian relief operations. However, activists from around the world are protesting the environmental impacts and political implications of RIMPAC.
“RIMPAC really represents colonialism, genocide and destruction of Mother Earth,” said Laulani Teale, Hoopae Pono Peace Project Coordinator. “You don’t shell Pohakuloa and sacred lands to save anyone. It’s not peace. It’s not humanitarian. It’s preparation for war.”