The following is a release from the Navy Office of Community Outreach:
A former Bothell resident is serving in the U.S. Navy and is participating in the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC).
Fireman Kate Hunter is working alongside electrician’s mates aboard USS America, currently operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Navy electrician’s mates are responsible for the operation of a ship’s electrical power generation systems, lighting systems, electrical equipment and electrical appliances.
“I work with the electrician’s mates helping to equip the ship with tools and advice about electrical safety, especially how not to get shocked, and what to do if that happens,” Hunter said. “I get to work with many different people and learn their jobs.”
According to Navy officials, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971.
The theme of RIMPAC 2016 is “Capable, Adaptive, Partners,” Navy officials explained. The participating nations and forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The relevant, realistic training program includes amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations.
The Department of the Navy’s Great Green Fleet yearlong initiative will also play a major role in RIMPAC. The initiative highlights global operations using energy conservation measures and alternative fuel blends to demonstrate how optimizing energy use increases resiliency and operational readiness. During RIMPAC, almost all participating units will operate using an approved alternate-fuel blend.
The biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise will host 26 nations, 45 surface ships, five submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel. This year’s exercise includes forces from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, People’s Republic of China, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“I’ve been particularly excited about this opportunity. We’ve just come out of a lengthy period of maintenance,” said Capt. Michael W. Baze, Commanding Officer of USS America. “Our sailors knew this was coming and that it is a unique experience to exercise our abilities while building our connections with allies. RIMPAC gives us the opportunity to strengthen our bond with these navies in addition to sending a message to the world about our collective strength. Our crew is mostly under the age of 30 and something like this offers a tremendous opportunity for them.”
“This is my first duty station,” Hunter said. “There are many more experienced people coming from different parts of the world. We have a very versatile community on this ship.”
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew, Hunter explained. The crew is highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.
“I’m continuing in a family legacy as I am a third generation sailor,” Hunter said. “I come from a family that has served in every branch except the Air Force.”
Additional information about Rim of the Pacific Exercise is available at http://www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac/
