VIDEO: 40-ship strong RIMPAC 2016 fleet sails in formation

The U.S. Navy has shared the traditional aerial view video of international navy ships sailing in close formation during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise. 

Forty ships and submarines representing 13 international partner nations steamed together during the exercise filmed from U.S. Navy helicopters on Thursday, July 28.

This year’s edition of the world’s largest maritime exercise was attended by a record number of 26 countries and over forty ships.

RIMPAC 2016 has welcomed Germany, Denmark, and Italy for the first time ever. Brazil was expected to become the fourth newcomer but “unforeseen scheduling commitments” prevented the South American country from participating.

The theme of RIMPAC 2016 was “Capable, Adaptive, Partners.” The participating nations and forces exercised a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting.

The biennial exercise is set to conclude on August 4.