By Navy Office of Community Outreach
PEARL HARBOR – A
2007 Placer High School graduate and Auburn, California native is serving in the
U.S. Navy and is participating in the world’s largest international maritime
warfare exercise, the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC).
Petty Officer
3rd Class Michael White is a gas turbine systems technician aboard USS Shoup,
currently operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
A Navy gas turbine systems technician is responsible for maintaining the ship's engine
rooms to include valve maintenance, fuel transfers and ensuring equipment is
clean and operational.
“Since we are for RIMPAC, I had the
opportunity to visit with my cousin out here in Hawaii who I haven't seen in
over 20 years," said White. "This is a great
opportunity."
According to
Navy officials, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps
participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to
ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC
2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971.
The theme of
RIMPAC 2016 is "Capable, Adaptive, Partners," Navy officials
explained. 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.
The Department
of the Navy's Great Green Fleet yearlong initiative will also play a major role
in RIMPAC. The initiative highlights global operations using energy
conservation measures and alternative fuel blends to demonstrate how optimizing
energy use increases resiliency and operational readiness. During RIMPAC,
almost all participating units will operate using an approved alternate-fuel
blend.
26 nations, 45
surface ships, 5 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, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark,
France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Norway, People's Republic of China, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the
Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and
the United States.
“Shoup sailors are taking part in RIMPAC 2016 and the missions they will be planning and executing are nothing short of awesome," said Cmdr. Jason E. Rogers, commanding officer of USS Shoup. "As captain, USS Shoup and the warfighting functions it is responsible for represent my domain. Fortunately, I am blessed with the talent and warrior spirit of 300 plus sailors who strive to exercise professional mastery and control over each and every one of those domains. Our sailors constantly challenge themselves and each other to know and do more.”
“This is my
first ship and it’s been a great learning experience,” said White.
Challenging
living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew, White explained. The
crew is highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a
busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.
“While serving in the Navy, I've learned
how to overcome challenges," said White. "The Navy has helped me better appreciate
partnership and mentoring as well."
Additional
information about Rim of the Pacific Exercise is available at http://www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac/