USS Essex conducts LCAC ops in Pacific Ocean during RIMPAC 2026

Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 81, attached to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, approaches Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during LCAC operations at Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, July 11, 2026. Thirty nations, 30 ships, 5 submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 190 aircraft and more than 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Samuel B. Park)