Dallas Native
Participates in World’s Largest International Maritime Warfare Exercise
By Mass Communication
Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Mass Communication
Specialist Senior Chief Gary Ward
PEARL HARBOR – A 2015 Carroll
Senior High School graduate and Dallas, Texas native is training to serve in
the U.S. Navy as part of the world’s largest international maritime warfare
exercise known as the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).
Midshipman 1st Class Luke Lanham
is a midshipman aboard USS Lake Champlain, currently operating out of San
Diego, California.
He is a junior officer in
training and is taking part in RIMPAC to gain more experience.
Lanham is looking forward to
applying the lessons learned from Dallas to working in the Navy.
“My grandfather was a
bombardier in World War II and every day he says he thanks God for his family, friends
and freedom,” said Lanham. "He's inspired me to never complain
about any situation and he's constantly
reminded me of the importance of being
faithful in the little things, These things have helped
me in the Navy."
As the world’s largest
international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity
that helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are
critical to ensuring safety at sea and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC
2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971.
The theme of RIMPAC 2018 is
"Capable, Adaptive, Partners,” according to Navy officials. The participating
nations and forces will exercise 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 relevant, realistic training program includes amphibious
operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well
as counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and
diving and salvage operations.
“I'm really looking forward
to being a part of this exercise and seeing the Navy at it's top potential,”
said Lanham.
This is the first time Israel, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are
participating in RIMPAC. Additional firsts include New Zealand serving as sea
combat commander and Chile serving as combined force maritime component
commander. This is the first time a non-founding RIMPAC nation (Chile) will
hold a component commander leadership position.
This year will also feature live firing of a Long Range
Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) from a U.S. Air Force aircraft, surface to ship
missiles by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and a Naval Strike Missile
(NSM) from a launcher on the back of a Palletized Load System (PLS) by the U.S.
Army. This marks the first time a land based unit will participate in the live
fire event during RIMPAC. RIMPAC 2018 will also include international band
engagements and highlight fleet innovation during an Innovation Fair.
“I was proud to have learned from a commanding officer on
a submarine the importance of knowing and taking care of your
people,” said Lanham.
Twenty-six nations, 46
surface ships, five submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel
will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise. This year's
exercise includes forces from Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile,
Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the
Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, the
United States and Vietnam.
As a member of the U.S. Navy,
Lanham and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond
their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I've learned that I can
depend on my shipmates to pick me up when I need help,” said Lanham. "Some
people try too many things on their, but I’ve realized that you need help sometimes.”
“Serving in the Navy means I
get to be a part of a very large organization in which every single member is
important to its operation,” said Lanham. “It's easy to forget what we have to
be thankful for. Even though I'm playing a
small part in this, I'm still playing a part in protecting my country and all of our freedoms."