USS Essex, U.S. Army AH-64 Apache conduct flight ops in Pacific Ocean ahead of RIMPAC 2026

Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) sails on its way to Hawaii with a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache, assigned to the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, 7th Infantry Division (Multi-Domain Command - Pacific), that recently lifted off from the ship to conduct a live-fire exercise in preparation for Exercise Rim of the Pacific, June 14, 2026. Thirty nations, over 30 surface ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 206 aircraft and 30,000 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. Army photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Marco Martinez)