Dozens of ships from 14 countries gather in Hawaii for month of military maritime exercises
By APWednesday, June 23, 2010
Dozens of ships from 14 countries gather in Hawaii
HONOLULU — Several dozen ships from 14 nations are converging on Hawaii for a month of large-scale maritime military exercises.
The Rim of the Pacific drills are held every other year. This year’s war games began Wednesday and are due to last until Aug. 1.
Some 20,000 personnel aboard 34 ships, five submarines and more than 100 aircraft are expected to practice hunting submarines, clearing mines, firing missiles and other maneuvers.
Australia, Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea are among the countries participating.
The U.S. Pacific Fleet is hosting the exercises.
It says the drills prepare forces to work together, which helps ensure regional stability.
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