By
Navy Office of Community Outreach
PEARL HARBOR – A 2011 Bethel High School graduate and
Spanaway, Washington 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 Grant Aragon is a sonar technician
aboard USS Shoup, currently operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
A Navy sonar technician is responsible for ensuring that the
sonar equipment is operable and that the ship is able to complete its underway
mission.
“I'm looking forward to shooting a missile during this
exercise," said Aragon. "I've heard what others have
discussed about RIMPAC and am excited about the multicultural aspect. It is overall a very friendly atmosphere."
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 ship has a family environment," said Aragon. "Even though we have struggles we all put our
heads together to get the mission done."
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among
the crew, Aragon explained. The crew is highly motivated, and quickly adapt to
changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and
drills.
“The Navy has really helped me grow up,” said Aragon.
Additional information about Rim of the Pacific Exercise is
available at http://www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac/