A team of SLN Marines joins Exercise RIMPAC – 2018
 

A team of Sri Lanka Navy Marines comprising 25 naval personnel headed by Lieutenant Commander (Marine) Sanath Mahinda left for Australia on 21 May 2018 to make its debut in the maritime exercise ‘Rim of the Pacific’ (RIMPAC) – 2018 hosted by the US Navy.

RIMPAC 2018 is a USA led combined live field training exercise that includes operational and tactical level training in the Hawaiian and Southern California operating areas. Prior to the commencement of the exercise, the SL Navy Marine contingent embarked onto HMAS Adelaide, a Royal Australian Navy Landing Helicopter Dock on 22nd May 2018 in Townville, Australia and set sail to Hawaii to participate in the RIMPAC 2018 from 28 June to 04 August.

Before leaving Australia on 2nd June, they had 01 week of Field Training Exercise and similar training engagements with Royal Australian Navy Marines and US Marines in Townville, Australia. During the passage SL Navy Marines are expected to stay in Fiji and Tonga, since HMAS Adelaide is planning to arrive at those islands and will reach Pearl Harbour, Hawaii on 26th June 2018.

This year’s exercise organized on the theme ‘Capable, Adaptive, Partners’ will feature a range of military exercises including amphibious operations, operations in urban areas and live firing. Joint naval exercises of this nature would enable to further strengthen mutual partnerships with rest of the Marine Forces in the world, augmenting the capacities of the SL Navy Marine Battalion.