RIMPAC: Air, sea superiority on demand

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 44th Fighter Squadron will project six F-15C Eagles and 90 maintenance personnel to participate in this summer's RIMPAC war games--the world's largest multinational naval exercise--integrating with more than 20 squadrons from all military services in large scale air engagements and naval campaigns from July 8-26.

RIMPAC will include 14 nations, 34 ships, five submarines, more than 170 aircraft, and 20,000 personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Peru, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and the Unites States, while Brazil, India and New Zealand will be sending observers. The exercise runs from June 23 through Aug. 1 in the Hawaiian operating area in, and around, the islands of Hawaii.

"We will be providing air superiority for the large scale Naval campaign on the surface and subsurface," said Capt. Peter Tymitz, 44th Fighter Squadron F-15 aircraft commander.

The fighter pilots will also participate in 10 'live fire' events which, according to Capt. Tymitz, is a rare thing to do.

RIMPAC, the largest maritime, biennial exercise in the world, which is in its 22nd year of existence. Interoperability is a key element of regional security and RIMPAC tests participating nations and strengthens their ability to communicate and operate in simulated air, land and maritime scenarios.

"This is a great integration opportunity," Captain Tymitz said, "and every 18th Wing participant will get to see how their job contributes to our mission: air superiority on demand."