By Navy Office of Community Outreach
PEARL HARBOR – A
2007 El Camino High School graduate and Oceanside, 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
2nd Class Nicholas Taienao is a machinery repairman aboard USS Shoup, currently
operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
A Navy machinery repairman is responsible for manufacturing critical parts needed to keep the
ship in working order.
“I'm looking
forward to the opportunity to interact with the other nations that are part of
this exercise," said Taienao. "It's also pretty nice being
in the sun here in Hawaii."
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.”
“I like the
people aboard and the camaraderie we have here," said Taienao. "Everyone knows each other here, and it is a close knit group."
Challenging living
conditions build strong fellowship among the crew, Taienao explained. The crew
is highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy
life of specialized work, watches, and drills.
“I've learned so
much over eight years in the Navy, including better communication with people and
networking skills," said Taienao. "I've experienced the importance
of training and learning every day and the importance of always being willing
to help others."
Additional
information about Rim of the Pacific Exercise is available at http://www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac/