USS Essex conducts LCAC ops in Pacific Ocean during RIMPAC 2026

U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 90, attached to Assault Craft Unit 5, prepares to embark Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during an in-stream onload off the coast of Hawaii, July 14, 2026. Thirty nations, 30 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Maria Amaya)