USS Essex, 15th MEU conducts live-fire exercise in Pacific Ocean

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel Ryan, a team leader assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, instructs U.S. Navy Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class. Falisha Guerrero, assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), as she fires a M27 infantry automatic rifle during a live-fire exercise aboard Essex in the Pacific Ocean, June 13, 2026, ahead of Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026. Thirty-one nations, more than 30 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. Ryan is a native of Rochester, Illinois. Guerrero is a native of La Pine, Oregon. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jashua Hernandez Ramos)