Hanoi (VNA) – The Defence Ministry will send eightnaval officers to participate in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) inHawaii, the United States from July 1 – 31 at the invitation of the Commanderof the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet.

This is the first time Vietnam is taking part in theRIMPAC after the country sent observers to the event in 2012 and 2016.

The participation will be an opportunity for Vietnam’snaval force to learn from other countries’ experience and improve itscapability in disaster relief and search and rescue operations at sea.

RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritimeexercise biennially hosted by the US in and around the Hawaiian Islands and SouthernCalifornia.

According to the US Navy, 26 nations, 47surface ships, five submarines, 18 national land forces, and more than 200aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in this year’s exercisescheduled June 27 to August 2.

RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that beganin 1971.

The theme of RIMPAC 2018 is "Capable, Adaptive, Partners."Participating nations and forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities anddemonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilitiesrange from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control andcomplex war-fighting.

The relevant, realistic training program includesamphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises,as well as counter-piracy operations, mine clearance operations, explosiveordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations.

This year's exercise includes forces from Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada,Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia,Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines,Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, the United Statesand Vietnam.-VNA