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RIMPAC 2004: |
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RIMPAC 2004: |
Seven Nations participated in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2004, the Asia-Pacific region’s largest international maritime exercise. Held in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands, RIMPAC 2004 was the 19th in a series of RIMPAC exercises conducted periodically since 1971. More than 40 ships, seven submarines, more than 100 aircraft (including 21 P-3C Orion anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft from Australia, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), the United Kingdom, and the U.S.), and almost 18,000 service members from seven nations participated in the July 2004 exercise. RIMPAC 2004 brought together maritime forces from six Pacific Rim nations — Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, the ROK, and the United States — along with the United Kingdom. Ecuador, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, and Thailand sent observers. RIMPAC enhances the ability to respond to crises through interoperability and cooperation of participating units in combined operations. By enhancing interoperability, RIMPAC promotes stability in the Asia-Pacific region. This year’s exercise included surface combatant ships, submarines, tactical aircraft, and amphibious forces. Key training objectives included enhanced command and control among participants; maintenance of a common operational picture; coordination of surface, subsurface, and air assets in a multi-submarine and multi-threat environment; and air defense, including standardized reporting and detection to engage a mock target. Exercise events involved tactical proficiency, non-combatant evacuation operations, amphibious assault, anti-submarine warfare, and humanitarian assistance. Throughout the exercise, individual units remained under operational control of their respective national commanders. Opening Ceremony Commenting on the importance of RIMPAC 2004, ROK Navy Capt. Lee Gun Doo, Commander of the Republic of Korea RIMPAC Training Group, told participants, “The value of RIMPAC exercise and the meaning of participation are more important than any combined exercises for the Republic of Korea Navy. RIMPAC 2004 is a wonderful opportunity to develop intimate cooperation and to imbue the solid allied military relationships with nations along the rim of the Pacific.” Also addressing the importance of the exercise, U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Michael McCabe, Commander, Third Fleet, said, “I want to emphasize the nature of the Global War on Terrorism, particularly for those countries that border on the Pacific. Fully into the 95th percentile of global economy’s trade by volume travels over sea-lanes. Some 46,000 ships of size pass through 4,000 ports, and frankly, we don’t have the greatest picture of what happens on the sea. We have a very good picture of what happens in the air, but not the same picture of what happens on the sea. So, . . . it’s very important, particularly in the Pacific, that the navies of the world get together and work together and can communicate well together as we focus on countering the terrorist threat, both in terms of the movement of weapons, people, drugs; illicit trade that will become more important as we look into the future. And so that’s a significant part of this exercise. It always has been and it’s never been more important than now.” “ Exercises like RIMPAC enhance regional security while building partnerships with our global neighbors,” noted U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Patrick Walsh, Commander, Carrier Group Seven and Multinational Task Force Commander for RIMPAC 2004. “This is a unique opportunity to bring our Pacific allies together and train how to operate and respond as one collective force.” He explained that the world we live in today requires swift multinational attention and deliberate action when responding to crisis. “RIMPAC is important in that it focuses on building interoperability and cooperation with our allies and coalition partners in the region, so we are able to respond quickly and confidently to real world situations.” RIMPAC 2004 Challenges
Coordinators Once RIMPAC participants and all the elements were in place, coordinators switched their focus to overcoming communication obstacles among foreign militaries operating as a coalition force. Planners then turned to specific exercises: landing 2,000 U.S. Marines ashore, evacuating civilians during a humanitarian mission, conducting anti-submarine warfare, and orchestrating live-fire exercises. “Safety is paramount,” said Lt. Cmdr. Tietzel. The exercise scenario involved the coalition forces (Blue), who defended the attacked country (Green) from the attacking country(Orange) forces. Country Purple remained neutral until tensions heightened and Purple joined the fight. “At that point, we’re in an all-out war to help country Green maintain its independence,” said U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Marcus Hewett. As the scenario unfolded, military officials from Ecuador, India, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, and Thailand observed the exercise events. “This is a great opportunity for us to show the world we are fighting the Global War on Terrorism,” said Lt. Col. Hewett. Combined Air Operations
Center The CAOC, located on the U.S. Navy’s Pearl Harbor Naval Station, comprised a series of tents and mobile structures containing command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence equipment. One tent provided enough space for the four cells — strategy, targeting, master air attack plans, and combat operations — to operate effectively. The close working environment inside the tent helped build trust and camaraderie with coalition partners. The face-to-face communications was very effective in problem solving. With the help of the Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System (CENTRIXS), the CAOC maintained air safety. The system provided all participating nations a way to deliver protected information, communicate effectively, and share information electronically via e-mail and “chat” capabilities. According to Col. Henneberry, who also participated in RIMPAC 2002, CENTRIXS significantly improved communications. CENTRIXS enabled all the exercise coalition partners to communicate using the same real-time network and chat rooms. This gave all partners access to the Theater Battle Management Core System used for air tasking orders (ATOs). From planning through execution, the CAOC developed ATOs detailing each mission flown by every aircraft from about 40 ships and various shore facilities. “This entire operation works to develop a plan that meets the Combined Force Air Component Commander’s objectives and, in turn, supports the overall Commander Combined Task Force objectives through the execution of the daily ATO and Air Control Order,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Stu Hinrichs, CAOC Deputy Director. Two ATO coordinators marshal each ATO through the four-day cycle during which the CAOC cells build specifications to meet mission objectives. Beginning with the strategy cell, the ATO then moves to the guidance apportionment and targeting cell, then the master air attack plan cell, and finally to ATO production, after which the ATO goes to the operations cell for command and control of all air activity. “ We must network with an extensive and dispersed force to ensure all concerned have a voice in the process and have situational awareness of the plan,” said Capt. Hinrichs. “The extensive network of communication is critical to the process so people can insert information as feedback, and we have the opportunity to be responsive in real time to change the ATO as necessary and retransmit.” Posted to the coalition Web site, the ATOs included direction for airspace management. The CAOC combat operations cell directed and modified the ATO on a contingency basis. Other key elements of the ATO process included rules of engagement provided by Judge Advocate General representatives and information from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance specialists. “Intelligence personnel are essential to help shape the battle space, to plan and provide targeteering, and to deliver combat assessment,” explained Capt. Hinrichs, adding, “They thread themselves throughout the entire cycle.” Air missions included moving cargo or people, airborne refueling, maintaining surveillance, and targeting a threat. During any particular day, the various cells worked up to four different ATOs. Maintaining the integrity of each ATO is vital. “They own that ATO through the whole cycle from birth to execution,” said Capt. Hinrichs. Coalition air force commanders had access to all information necessary to respond to the mission from each of the participating nations through the Theater Battle Management Core System. This is a Web-based system for planning, managing, and executing the air war. Computer programs keep track of the latest information on targets, weapons, fuel loads, weather, and navigation. Commanders at all levels access the Web page and execute the plan while preparing future operations. While the Plans Division deals with assigning and moving aircraft, the CAOC also includes information for intelligence preparation of the battlefield with military and diplomatic warnings and indications of opposing and hostile forces and their capabilities. A continuous collection and display of information affecting the battlespace allows the allocation of assets to the appropriate targets. Canadian Air Force Capt. Mark Mombourquette, noted, “The CAOC utilizes many of the same air operations procedures [AOP] that we are quite familiar with. The scope is larger and the pace is more dynamic. Our Canadian team is certainly gaining further experience in AOP.” Canadian Maj. Ken Craig of the Maritime Air Component Pacific added, “What is happening here provides a new appreciation of why we do what we do at the Maritime Air Components located at MARPAC and MARLANT [Canadian Navy’s Maritime Forces Pacific and Maritime Forces Atlantic]. The RIMPAC exercise gives our people an opportunity to train as we would fight,” he said. Determined to gain the most from the CAOC experience for Canada, Col. Henneberry focused the efforts of his team to further develop the resident air component capability at both MARPAC and MARLANT. At the same time, through this experience, a new cadre of qualified air component staff will be ready and available to integrate seamlessly into any coalition CAOC. Col. Henneberry pointed out, “This entire facility can be transported anywhere in the world in two C-130 Hercules aircraft. It would take very little to expand our [Canada’s] existing Transportable Tactical Communications Centre to replicate what is here to provide self-supported communications, command, control, and intelligence to any combined or joint operation to direct a medium intensity air operation.” Commenting on the success of the CAOC, Col. Henneberry said, “Right from the Mid-Planning Conference through the execution of the exercise, the relationship has been outstanding. More importantly, however, has been the high level of confidence that we have had in [the U.S. Navy] and the level of confidence they’ve had in us . . . .” Echoing Col. Henneberry, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. D. C. Curtis, Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Five, declared, “The CAOC has performed exceptionally. The interoperability is the best I’ve ever seen in any coalition exercise.” Canada had several aircraft participating in RIMPAC 2004. They included two CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft and two CH-124 Sea King helicopters on the guided missile destroyer HMCS Algonquin (DDG 283) and the patrol frigate HMCS Regina (FFH 334). “While we are not the biggest players here, bringing aircraft allows us to fly missions, participate in the command and control, and have a say in the decision-making process,” declared Canadian LCol McManus. “We are therefore full partners in the process and capable of assuming leadership positions within a multinational coalition.” During the exercise, the U.S. Navy’s twin-hulled catamaran High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) carried and tested the Battle-Space Preparation Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, a small, fast underwater robot that maps the ocean bottom near the shore, detects changes in inshore conditions, and hunts mines. To learn more about each other, the ships exchanged crew members before the exercise. More than 60 sailors crossed decks between the two navies. “The cross-pollination was a huge success,” said Lt. Cmdr. King. “It just pays dividends in the long run. We have enjoyed immensely working with [the U.S. sailors]. The friendships that we’ve made, I’m sure they’ll stand the test of time.” Anti-Submarine Warfare
Four diesel-powered submarines — one each from Australia, Chile, Japan, ROK — and three nuclear-powered U.S. submarines operated close to surface ships from their nations. The White Cell orchestrated safe operations for the seven submarines by separating them geographically via different grids in the battle space, or by sharing “mutual water” with one submarine operating deeper than the other. The White Cell sends and receives thousands of messages while tracking all responsible parties above, on, and below the sea. “The biggest thing in any exercise is communication — it’s paramount,” said Lt. Cmdr. Lintz. “The better we can communicate . . . speeds up the process of working in the real world.” Coalition submarine liaison officers in the White Cell coordinated efforts between Australian, Chilean, ROK, Japanese, and U.S. forces. “We’re a team,” said Cmdr. Felipe Parga, the Chilean Navy Submarine Advisor. “One must never forget we train [for interoperability] in the real world. That’s what we’re building — the ability to work together in a real-world scenario if we need to.” Aboard the Chilean submarine SS Simpson (SS 21) was U.S. Navy Cmdr. Angus McColl, who served as the U.S. liaison officer. “I worked with the Chileans in 2001 on the SS Thomson and really enjoyed it,” said Cmdr. McColl, referring to his three weeks aboard the Chilean Navy submarine. “Working on the Simpson gives me a chance to work on a diesel submarine, which is not an opportunity readily available in the U.S. Navy. I find it fascinating to see how [the Chilean Navy] conducts submarine warfare,” he said. “The crew is very professional and dedicated. There are incredible professionals in the Chilean Navy, and we benefit from that exchange.” “ We train as we fight,” said Australian Navy Lt. Cmdr. Dave Tietzel. This involved synchronizing attacks on various country Orange assets, including sea, air, and land attacks at targets on several islands, as well as on and below the Pacific Ocean. He added that the simulated undersea battles against the quiet, slow, and hard-to-find diesel submarines are vital, since many nations do not have nuclear submarine technology. Coalition submarines successfully eliminated the danger from country Orange submarines. Live-Fire Exercises “ The BMQ-74E flew by once for a tracking exercise,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Shawn Dominguez. “On the second pass, we engaged the target by firing two telemetry missiles.” The missiles return a reading of how close to the drone they pass without hitting and destroying the reusable drone. If the drone enters the missile’s blast radius, it is a hit. U.S. Navy Operations Specialist First Class (OS1) Surface Warfare (SW) Westly Plount worked closely with the ship’s target acquisition systems operator to track and engage the target. According to OS1(SW) Plount, all initial reports indicated that if it had been an actual-live missile, the warhead would have destroyed the target. “We were tracking the contact when at about 40 miles (64 kilometers) out, the drone dove to 50 feet (15 meters) above the water and began an intercept course with the ship,” he said. “When the order was given to shoot it down, we launched two missiles.” OS1(SW) Plount noted that combined exercises are vital in today’s global arena. “We don’t fight wars alone anymore. It’s important for us to work with our allies, coalition partners, and friends to learn each other’s capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses,” he said. “The more we operate with them in practice, the better we will all be in the event of an actual crisis.” During the live-fire exercises, HMCS Regina (FFH 334) recorded successful torpedo engagements, and HMCS Algonquin (DDG 283) successfully engaged a drone with a Standard Missile.- From his flagship, HMCS Algonquin, Commodore Girouard was responsible for all aspects of the seagoing response to the conflict, including maritime interdiction operations, keeping international sea-lanes open, and protecting the coalition force aircraft carrier, troop carrier, and supply ships from attack. Amphibious Assault Helicopters from the USS Tarawa flew over simulated country Orange assets to deliver forces as part of the invasion force. “We’re pleased with the way it progressed and we’re pleased with the coverage,” said Lt. Cmdr. Tietzel. “Everyone involved is getting good training. We’ve come a long way in being able to talk with each other,” he continued. “Now, we’re able to talk at the level we’ve always wanted to before. We don’t let little things stop us. We find ways around problems.” Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) soldiers added to the realism and complexity of the NEO by role-playing both allied forces and evacuees, some of whom simulated opposing force infiltrators. “For my NCOs (non-commissioned officers) and my officers, they’ll get to see how an American evacuation operation works — but this time from the inside,” said RAR Maj. Tony Kaine. “The primary aim for this exercise is to develop interoperability between the RAR and the Marines and for us to develop expertise in amphibious operations in training areas and with equipment we don’t have access to in Australia,” he said. Initially, a forward command element (FCE) moved ashore to assess the situation and provide the mock ambassador — played by retired U.S. Ambassador Edward Marks — with options for security and evacuation. Aided by Denis Reynolds, a special agent from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and U.S. Navy Capt. Timothy Murray, the FCE Officer in Charge, Ambassador Marks role-played every option available to calm the situation. He then called for the NEO when the threat to American citizens increased. A number of planned training evolutions occurred, including many responses to improvised explosive devices and conducting safe transportation despite raids by opposing forces. U.S. Marine Capt. Gary Humphries noted that the “free-thinking” encouraged in the scenario forced NEO participants to make on-the-spot decisions. The Evacuation Control Center processed all mock evacuees through receiving, search and baggage control, administration/registration, and embarkation. “ The mission is to rapidly, accurately, and safely process evacuees in order to facilitate non-combatant evacuation operations,” said U.S. Marine 2nd Lt. Marshall Lewis. Additional stations available, if needed, included a detention center, Judge Advocate General consultation, and medical evaluation. “We’re going to provide organic support to our folks and then provide medical care for any evacuee who might need it,” said U.S. Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman Jeffrey Smith. “We would be concerned about preventative medical care. I’d have to ensure we only took in food and water from safe sources,” he added. U.S. Marines safely transported all 160 role-players via helicopter to the USS Tarawa (LHA 1) for processing. “We search just like customs — no fruits, vegetables, animals, or arms,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Dan Granados. Tarawa’s receiving stations mirrored those ashore regarding administration/registration, baggage control and medical, but also included attempts to comfort the evacuees, and provide food, drink, and berthing assignments. Japanese P-3 Orion Crew Trains with U.S.
Navy In Japan, aircraft crews must train in very confined areas, and because they are strictly a self-defense force, training with other nations is rare. “We are very lucky to get this chance to train abroad.- Only a few of us ever train outside of Japan,” said JMSDF Lt. Yusuke Kito, a P-3 pilot. Aside from RIMPAC, the Japanese P-3 crew enjoyed sightseeing, cultural exchanges, shopping, and playing golf.- “The golf is great!- On base in Hawaii, I can play for one tenth the price of what I pay in Japan,” said Chief Petty Officer Nobuhiro Sawano. JMSDF Lt j.g. Katsuo Hirano enjoyed mingling with people of different backgrounds. “I love the cultural diversity in America.- I speak some Chinese so I really enjoyed Chinatown in downtown Honolulu,” he said. Chefs At
Sea “ We serve rice with every meal, but our cooks make many kinds of foods at sea — European, French, Chinese,” said JMSDF Public Affairs Officer Lt. Taijiro Omata. They also have spaghetti night. Japanese cooks, like U.S. Navy culinary specialists, go to school to learn their trade. The food is often flavored with various soy-based sauces. The JMSDF chefs use a lot of vegetables, beef, pork, chicken, and seafood in their cooking. A traditional Friday lunch for Japanese sailors consists of curry rice. In the past, the Imperial Japanese Navy served rice to let sailors know what day it was. “They would work hard all week,” Lt. Omata said. “Sailors would forget what day it was. Curry rice let them know they get the next day off.” A delicious curry roux (sauce) surrounds mixed pieces of chicken or pork, potatoes, onions, and carrots, served over rice. Originally not a Japanese dish, curry rice was adapted from British Navy stews and the spice trade. “We serve hamburgers too,” said Lt. Omata. “The crew likes the variety.” PACFLT Band hosts Royal Australian Navy
Band for RIMPAC “ One thing I’m really blown away by the U.S. Navy is how many people they have and the large amount of resources they have,” said RAN Able Seaman (AB) Musician Isaac Lo, piano and side drum player for the RAN Band. “I think there is just so much more that you can do with such a large number of people.” “They’re a very good, strong, professional band,” AB Lo added. “I’ve been really interested in their management structure and how they do business. I’ve learned a lot from them.” “ Australia has always had strong ties and a significant relationship with the United States,” said RAN AB Musician Lachlan Macfie, bass guitar and drum player for the RAN Band. Seaman (SMN) Musician Carl Riseley, RAN band trumpet player, echoed this thought when he said, “I think the biggest thing we’ve done here is form a strong bond between the American and Australian bands. We’ve been staying at their homes and hanging out. Now there is quite a strong bond.” “ It has been a great pleasure having [the RAN band members] here,” said PACFLT Band’s Senior Chief Musician Robert Bowman. “They have made a lasting impression on us. They’re very talented musicians and they’re good sailors. But above all that, they’re nice people. We’re going to miss them.” Canadians Celebrate Canada Day
“ It’s awesome, especially on Canada Day,” said Canadian Navy AB Charles LeBlond. “It’s fun to bring a little bit of our culture with us.” “This is our way to show our Canadian pride,” said Sub-Lt. Jae Hwang. The Esquimalt, British Columbia-based crew wanted to show Canada Day in style to the six other navies participating in RIMPAC 2004 said Lt. Cmdr. Art McDonald, Regina’s executive officer. “We thought on Canada Day what would be more [appropriate] than ball hockey.” The Canadian teams, who are normally accustomed to skating on ice with a puck, ran around in tennis shoes and batted an orange rubber ball on an outdoor rink. Some nursed cuts and scrapes after falls, but played on, battling hot and humid temperatures. “It’s totally different,” said Sub-Lt. Hwang. “It’s almost like a different game.” Ordinary SMN Merk Laughland noted, “Everybody just loves to play it and we try to get as much in as possible. A lot of us have grown up playing it, so a lot of us are pretty good at it.” But the heat was hard to ignore, especially for sailors from a country that is known for its snow. “A lot of us are thirsty out here,” said SMN Laughland. “We’re having to drink a lot of water.” Others didn’t mind. “It’s the first time I’ve seen palm trees,” noted Sub-Lt. Hwang. “I’m just enjoying every moment of it.” The Canadian sailors, who continued the national day of celebration with a lunchtime barbecue and an evening reception aboard the ship, said they appreciate the U.S. Navy’s hospitality. “We really feel at home with our American cousins,” said Sub-Lt. Nicholas Woloszczuk. Conclusion
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