The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)’s Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast became the first non-United States Navy (USN) ship to lead a multinational group sail to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, the world’s largest international maritime exercise.
The frigate led two other warships, one from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and one from the U.S. Navy, from Okinawa, Japan, to Hawaii, USA, to participate in Exercise RIMPAC.
The U.S. Navy is leading three other multinational groups that are sailing from San Diego and the western Pacific Ocean.
The RSN conducted naval warfare serials with Japanese Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer and the U.S. destroyer Chung-Hoon, in preparation for the high-intensity sea phase during exercise RIMPAC.
RSS Steadfast, with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, led the conduct of helicopter operations, surface warfare drills, gunnery firings as well as maneuvering and communications serials. The exercise serials enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding among the naval ships.
Hosted by the U.S. Navy, the biennial Exercise RIMPAC will be conducted in the waters off Hawaii starting July 1. This is the fifth time that the RSN will be participating in the exercise.