Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) is one of the world’s largest naval exercises, primarily involving countries bordering the Pacific Ocean. But the Netherlands is also taking part this month in the waters around Hawaii.
As one of 29 participating countries, the Netherlands is taking part with Zr.Ms. Tromp and the Defence Diving Group.
The air defense and command frigate left Pearl Harbor yesterday after a period of preparations for the exercise at sea. For Zr.Ms. Tromp, this is also part of Pacific Archer 2024. With this, the Netherlands underlines the economic importance of worldwide free passage.
Military ties
By participating in RIMPAC, the Netherlands strengthens military relations with allies and cooperation with new ones. Furthermore, the exercise offers the opportunity to train with these parties in the highest spectrum of violence.
Safety of sea routes
These existing and new collaborations at RIMPAC are intended to protect the safety of maritime routes around the world. 40 ships, more than 170 aircraft and land units from 29 countries are participating. From Europe, in addition to the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France and Italy are involved in RIMPAC. All this shows how special this large-scale naval exercise is.