By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Curtis D. Spencer, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet hosted the Final Planning Conference (FPC) for Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2016 at the Admiral Kidd Conference Center on Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, April 5-8.
More than 1,000 personnel from countries participating in this year's RIMPAC attended the FPC to streamline preparations for the rapidly approaching exercise.
Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, kicked off the conference with welcome remarks.
Tyson emphasized four key points: Safety of people and platforms, integration of new and old partners, professional military operations, and meeting changing demands.
"The enduring theme, 'Capable, Adaptive, Partners,' really embodies my desire, and I should imagine yours, to train and assimilate competent platforms into a formidable force responsive to changing circumstances and conditions," said Tyson. "We need to do this with the safety of people and platforms at the forefront of our minds every time."
The event afforded attendees the opportunity to disseminate information and finalize planning for RIMPAC 2016.
Command Senior Chief Melvin Isom, attached to Carrier Strike Group 7, said the event will be challenging and intricate; he explained how proper preparation will increase knowledge and avoid preventable complications.
"RIMPAC is a big evolution, and planning is key," said Isom. "With the vast number of countries involved, it has to be done to avoid snags. The most rewarding part is being able to develop a better understanding of other countries and how they operate."
Topics for the various briefs included: accommodations, security, logistics and communications, and an evaluation of materiel requirements for the exercise.
"RIMPAC is the world's largest Navy-led exercise," said Patrick deGategno, attached to the Center for Naval Analysis. "This is a wonderful opportunity for the United States to work with a host of other nations in different exercises and activities. It is a really exciting opportunity."
The planning conference is the second to last event in the RIMPAC 16 planning conference series.
A Staff Exercise, slated April 11-14, will give personnel a final chance to evaluate the planning phase.
RIMPAC began in 1971 and was held annually until 1974, when it became a biennial exercise due to its scale. The founding nations were the United States, Australia, and Canada. This will be the 25th RIMPAC since inception.
U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.