By
Navy Office of Community Outreach
PEARL HARBOR – A 2004 Harlem High School graduate and
Rockford, Illinois 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).
Fireman Samantha Riley works alongside electrician's mates
aboard USS America, currently operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
“We are responsible for anything that
can be plugged into the ships power grid, as well as issuing and maintain all
electrical tools,” said Riley. “Electrical safety is a high priority on the
ship and the sailors I work with perform CPR qualifications for all
electricians aboard.”
“I like working with engineers as well as every other rate,
just being an electrician,” said Riley. “I've been in the Navy for about eight
months, and I joined with no background in electricity. I've got skill sets and
knowledge I never dreamed possible.”
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.
“I’ve been particularly excited about this opportunity. We’ve just come out of a lengthy period of maintenance,” said Capt. Michael W. Baze, Commanding Officer of USS America. “Our sailors knew this was coming and that it is a unique experience to exercise our abilities while building our connections with allies. RIMPAC gives us the opportunity to strengthen our bond with these navies in addition to sending a message to the world about our collective strength. Our crew is mostly under the age of 30 and something like this offers a tremendous opportunity for them.”
“This is my first ship and my first duty station,” said
Riley. “Being a part of this crew gives me
a chance to experience things I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. I am
grateful for my family, as they arrived in San Diego the day before we left for
RIMPAC.”
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among
the crew, Riley explained. The crew is highly motivated, and quickly adapt to
changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and
drills.
“The whole purpose I joined is to provide a better life for
my family,” said Riley. “I never would
have traveled if I hadn't joined the Navy. I want to get a Ph.D. in psychology and provide a better life for
them.”
Additional information about Rim of the Pacific Exercise is
available at http://www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac/