Modesto 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 2010 Grace
M. Davis High School graduate and Modesto, California native is serving in the
U.S. Navy as part of the world’s largest international maritime warfare
exercise known as the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).
Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph
Little is an aviation structural mechanic
attached to Helicopter Maritime Squadron 78, currently operating out of San
Diego, California.
He’s responsible for
supervising a team of sailors who maintain the ship's two MH-60R Seahawk
helicopters.
Little is looking forward to
applying the lessons learned from Modesto to working in the Navy.
“My parents taught me the
importance of honesty and punctuality, which have both been a big help in my
career,” said Little.
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 looking forward to
seeing my team work at their highest level, making sure both aircraft work at
their highest level,” said Little.
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'm proud to have advanced to petty officer second class
at the end of 2016,” said Little. "It felt great to take on that extra
responsibility."
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,
Little 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
handle any situation the Navy gives me,” said Little. "Serving in the Navy
means I’m able to serve my country and to carry on my
family's tradition of military service.”