ABMT Paul Smith from HMAS Success sends a bowling ball down the lane during the knock-out competition which formed a part of the RIMPAC Sports Carnival.

Photo: ABPH Brenton Freind

On her way to RIMPAC 2004, HMAS Newcastle is seen here performing Procedure Alpha in Lautoka, Fiji.

Photo: LCDR Melinda Barnes

CDRE Thomas held the position of Deputy Commander of the Combined Task Force and was second in command of the exercise.

The ADF contributed around 1000 personnel from the RAN, Army and RAAF to the exercise held in and around the Hawaian group of islands. The RAN sent surface ships Newcastle, Success and Parramatta and the submarine Rankin.

The Army had 120 riflemen from 2RAR and the RAAF provided Hercules, Orion and Boeing 707 aircraft and personnel.

They joined 17,000 other servicemen and women from seven other nations including Canada, Chile, Japan, Republic of Korea, the US and the UK.

In all, 40 ships, nine submarines and 90 aircraft were used. The purpose of the drill was to achieve integration and interoperability with other nations. Aiming for efficiency in working as a coalition force, the ADF units were fully integrated into multinational forces for exercise warfare scenarios.

RAN and RAAF personnel were also employed in key positions in foreign ships. This move proved highly successful in improving communication between units.

“RIMPAC 04 was valuable training for operating in a coalition situation,” CDRE Thomas said.

“Our personnel overcame communication and system differences and shared their skills and expertise with our friends and allies.

“We came here to improve our readiness and efficiency in operating as a coalition force.

“We have done exactly that. “We have also made some good friends along the way.”

Among the nations to host Australian visitors was the US.

The giant aircraft carrier USS John C Stennis was the venue for more than 2000 guests including forces from Australia.

Some of the experiences of RAN personnel who visited Stennis are published in this spread.

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