The ‘Rim of the Pacific’ (RIMPAC) 2018 exercise — the world’s largest for maritime warfare — was held from June 27 to August 2 on and around the Hawaiian islands and near southern California.
LAST CALL FOR THE ‘BLUE BLASTERS’
A VFA-34 F/A-18C pilot slams in full reheat, in case of a ‘bolter’, as the jet catches the arrestor wire on the USS Carl Vinson.
This rather tattylooking ‘Golden Dragons’ F/A-18E carries the name of CAG-2 boss CAPT Greg Newkirk
A VAW-113 E-2C catches the arrestor wire. The upper escape hatch is open, presumably to minimize impediment to the rear crew in the event of a ditching.
A fabulous shot of a VAQ-136 ‘Gauntlets’ EA-18G Growler as it is prepared for a ‘RIMPAC’ mission.
A VAW-113 E-2C catches the arrestor wire. The upper escape hatch is open, presumably to minimize impediment to the rear crew in the event of a ditching.
RIMPAC’ IS AN exercise that is synonymous with US Paciic Command — enhancing interoperability amongst armed forces located in the Paciic Rim and beyond, ostensibly as a means of promoting stability in the region. It is described by the US Navy as, ‘a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the co-operative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea-lanes and security on the world’s oceans.’
