USS Essex conducts live-fire range in Pacific Ocean

U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Nicholas Green, command master chief of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), fires an M27 infantry automatic rifle during a live-fire range aboard Essex in the Pacific Ocean, June 15, 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. Green is a native of Arizona. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jashua Hernandez Ramos)