A reflection of trust

HMAS Sydney crew members performed a moving ceremonial sunset at the official Australian reception during the shore phase of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).

The reception was held on the eve of the US’s 250th July 4 birthday celebrations while Sydney was berthed alongside in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

At five minutes to sunset the Evening Hymn was played and a volley of blank shots fired by six guardsmen in an echo of the historic practice to salute the knell of parting day. In his welcome speech to guests, CJOPS VADM Justin Jones welcomed about 250 guests on board.

VADM Jones, who is attending his fifth RIMPAC, said it was great to have so many friends present and to see so many familiar faces among the crowd.

“My first RIMPAC was in 1990 as a very young officer. There were seven nations, half a dozen ships, two submarines and a handful of aircraft,” he said.

“And then you fast forward to RIMPAC 2026 where there are 30 nations, 31 ships, 206 aircraft, five submarines and 19 nations with land forces here.

“It has become a truly joint maritime activity and I’m proud of that because I’m a joint commander.

“RIMPAC is what happens when you invest in years of building trust, confidence, credibility, interoperability and interchangeability.”

VADM Jones said RIMPAC was a reflection of allies and partners who rehearse the defence of prosperity, security, stability, peace and freedom in the Indo-Pacific.

“And as every person in uniform here knows, we are stronger together. So it is an honour to be a RIMPAC plank owner,” he said.

“Australia is one of the originals from 1971 and we are proud to be here again for the 30th iteration of RIMPAC and it is a pleasure to host you all on board.”

Australia’s Consul General in Hawaii, Greg Wilcock, proposed a toast to the 30 navies and coast guards represented at this year’s RIMPAC, and to the US as host country of the exercise during its 250th year of being a republic.

RIMPAC is a biennial international military exercise hosted by Commander US Pacific Fleet and is the world’s largest maritime exercise.

It is being held across training areas in and around the Hawaiian Islands from June 24 to July 31.

After RIMPAC, Sydney will continue sailing throughout the Indo-Pacific region maintaining presence and conducting training, exercises and other engagements with regional partners.