USS Essex returns to Pearl Harbor following RIMPAC 2026 at-sea phase

U.S. Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026, July 29, 2026. Thirty nations, over 30 ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 190 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. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Charles Harbour)