By Robert Farley
Since its inception in 1971, the RIMPAC exercise has provided the opportunity for the U.S. Navy to build organizational partnerships across the Pacific. These partnerships serve not only to cement alliances, but also to make coordination easier in times of crisis. The potential for maritime cooperation in disaster relief loomed large during the exercises this year as well, and was specifically mentioned by USN officials. But the exercises (which included several submarines, not noted for their disaster relief capabilities) demonstrated capabilities beyond disaster relief, as participating navies took the opportunity to sink several retired U.S. vessels.
As a regularly scheduled biennial exercise, RIMPAC happens regardless of the extant political situation in the Pacific. However, the absence of the People’s Liberation Army Navy - and the participation of Russia and India for the first time - combined with new tensions in the South China Sea, leaves the unavoidable impression that these exercises are geared towards managing the increasing naval power of China.
Read the full story at The Diplomat