C3F, international partners conclude final planning for RIMPAC 2026 Exercise

17 April 2026

From MC1 Brandon Roberson

SAN DIEGO -- The U.S. 3rd Fleet and representatives from over 30 partner nations successfully concluded the final planning conference (FPC) for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise, held at Naval Base Point Loma Annex in San Diego.

Download

Members of partner and ally nations pose for a group photo during the Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 Final-Planning Conference at Naval Base Point Loma Annex in San Diego, April 14, 2026. RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime exercise, providing a unique training opportunity that fosters and sustains cooperative relationships among participants. These relationships are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2026 marks the 30th iteration of the biennial exercise, which began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brandon Roberson)

During the conference, delegates from the participating nations helped finalize the operational plans, live-fire schedules, and logistical details for the world's largest international maritime exercise. The event marked the last major planning milestone before the exercise begins in Hawaii this summer.

Vice Adm. John Wade, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, reflected on the success of the conference and the readiness of the multinational force.

"The work accomplished here was foundational. This week, we finalized the complex details that will enable us to conduct a safe and effective exercise," said Vice Adm. Wade. "The commitment and expertise each partner nation brought to this conference will help build relationships, enhance interoperability and proficiency, and ultimately, contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific"

Highlighting the critical role of the international staff, Rear Adm. Suzanne Bailey, deputy commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, noted that their detailed work is what makes the exercise possible.

"The success of this conference is a direct result of the incredible dedication of the planners from all participating nations," said Rear Adm. Bailey. "They have spent this week meticulously refining schedules, coordinating complex logistics, and ensuring every aspect of the exercise is synchronized. This detailed work is what transforms our strategic goals into tangible, executable missions at sea."

Vice Adm. John Wade, commander, U.S. Third Fleet, gives remarks to members of partner and ally nations at the Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 Final-Planning Conference at Naval Base Point Loma Annex in San Diegoi, April 14, 2026. RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime exercise, providing a unique training opportunity that fosters and sustains cooperative relationships among participants. These relationships are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2026 marks the 30th iteration of the biennial exercise, which began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brandon Roberson)

Capt. Brian Jamison, Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise director, gives remarks to members of partner and ally nations to members of partner and ally nations during the RIMPAC Final Planning Conference at Naval Base Point Loma Annex in San Diego, April 13, 2026. RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime exercise, providing a unique training opportunity that fosters and sustains cooperative relationships among participants. These relationships are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2026 marks the 30th iteration of the biennial exercise, which began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lordin Kelly)

Rear Adm. Suzanne Bailey, deputy commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, gives opening remarks to members of partner and ally nations to members of partner and ally nations during the RIMPAC Final Planning Conference at Naval Base Point Loma Annex in San Diego, April 13, 2026. RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime exercise, providing a unique training opportunity that fosters and sustains cooperative relationships among participants. These relationships are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2026 marks the 30th iteration of the biennial exercise, which began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lordin Kelly)

Royal Australian Navy Lt. Cmdr. Benn Van Balen, Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 lead coordinator, gives remarks to members of partner and ally nations during the RIMPAC Final Planning Conference at Naval Base Point Loma Annex in San Diego, April 13, 2026. RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime exercise, providing a unique training opportunity that fosters and sustains cooperative relationships among participants. These relationships are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2026 marks the 30th iteration of the biennial exercise, which began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lordin Kelly)

Members of partner and ally nations collaborate during the Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 Final-Planning Conference at Naval Base Point Loma Annex in San Diego, April 15, 2026. RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime exercise, providing a unique training opportunity that fosters and sustains cooperative relationships among participants. These relationships are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2026 marks the 30th iteration of the biennial exercise, which began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sarah Eaton)

With the planning phase now complete, the focus shifts entirely to execution in Hawaii.

"The FPC is where the framework for RIMPAC becomes an executable plan,” said Royal Australian Navy LCDR. Benn Van Balen, the RIMPAC coordinator. “Over the last few days, we successfully synchronized the efforts of the participating nations to finalize the exercise operational details. Our goal was to leave with an integrated program that prioritizes the objectives and interoperability of our participants. We achieved that and are now ready for a safe, productive, and challenging exercise this summer."

RIMPAC 2026 will mark a significant milestone as the 30th iteration of the world’s largest international maritime exercise, aligning with the historic celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday. Set against the backdrop of America’s semiquincentennial, RIMPAC 2026 will bring together allied and partner nations to strengthen interoperability, enhance collective maritime security, and underscore the enduring commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

RIMPAC began in 1971 and was held annually until 1974, when it became a biennial exercise due to its scale. The founding nations were the United States, Australia, and Canada.

An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations—from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.