USS Essex conducts flight ops in Pacific Ocean

260614-N-UJ417-1067 A U.S. Marine Aircrewman assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 164 looks out at Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) from an MV-22 Osprey, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 164, June 14, 2026, in preparation for RIMPAC 2026. Thirty-one nations, 36 surface ships, 5 submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 206 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 24 to July 31. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2026 is the 30th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Russell Rhodes Jr.)