In what was the world’s largest combined and joint maritime military exercise, the Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026 (Rimpac 2026) involved 30 nations, over 30,000 personnel, 30 surface ships, five submarines, and more than 197 aircraft. It successfully concluded July 31, 2026, following the theme “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.”

The five weeks of training helped prepare defenses across the Pacific region. The biennial exercise began June 24, 2026, and coincided with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. 

U.S. Navy Vice-Admiral Jeff Jablon, commander of the Rimpac 2026 task force, explained the need for the integration of forces, “No single nation can ensure security in the Pacific alone.” Jablon added, “The global maritime environment is too large and too complex for any one country to safeguard by itself. Rimpac gives us the chance to build the trust and relationships that make us stronger long before any crisis happens.” 

Rimpac 2026 was hosted by the U.S. Pacific Fleet and spearheaded by the U.S. 3rd Fleet (see image above). Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rear Admiral Takuo Kobayashi served as vice commander of the task force and Chilean navy Commodore Andres Howard functioned as task force deputy commander. Rear Admiral In-ho Kim from the South Korean navy served as commander of the combined force maritime troops while Royal Canadian Air Force Brigadier General J. S. Davis performed as commander of the combined air force.

The training forces executed more than 500 maritime training events, flew more than 2,400 sorties, and responded to more than 5,000 scenario-based operational problems.

Kobayashi noted, “Rimpac brings together allies and partners committed to strengthening security and stability across the region. The daily conversations, shared experiences, and personal relationships developed throughout the exercise strengthen our ability to respond together, whether supporting maritime security or assisting communities following a disaster.”