RIMPAC 2020 officially starts in Hawaii – Navy

This year's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise officially started in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In a press release from the Philippine Navy, Captain Jerry Garrido, commander of the participating Naval Task Group 80.5, said that RIMPAC 2020 would "provide resources and an environment that permits international participants like the Philippine Navy to achieve their individual and collective training objectives."

"RIMPAC is a great avenue for our Navy to train with participating commanders, staff, and forces in the planning and execution of combined naval operations," Garrido said.

"It will likewise provide an opportunity for officers and crew of FF150 (BRP Jose Rizal) to work in conjunction as a team since most of them have undergone separate, individual training," he added.

Navy’s brand new frigate, the BRP Jose Rizal, arrived in the designated RIMPAC exercise area over the weekend to join other participating naval vessels.

This year's maritime exercise will be executed purely at sea to ensure the safety of all participating forces amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The participating countries include Australia, Brunei, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United States.

In his message, RIMPAC commander Vice Admiral Scott Conn said the exercise provides a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships and build trust among participating countries.

Conn also said the exercise would help naval forces to act when there are challenges at sea such as natural disasters or threats to international commerce.

RIMPAC 2020 is scheduled from August 17 to 31. — DVM, GMA News