Commander of the Navy pins flag patches on RIMPAC-bound SLN Marine contingent

A contingent from the Sri Lanka Navy Marines, consisting of 6 officers and 16 sailors, is expected to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 Exercise, hosted by Commander, U.S. Indo Pacific Command. The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera pinned flag patches on the uniforms of the RIMPAC-bound SLN contingent at the Navy Headquarters today (19th June).

The Rim of the Pacific Exercise, conducted for the 29th time, is the world's largest international maritime exercise. Held from 27th June to 01st August in and around the Hawaiian Islands, the 2024 edition of the exercise will feature 40 surface ships, 04 submarines, 171 aircraft and over 25000 armed force personnel including 14 ground troops from 29 countries. SLN Marines contingent due to depart the island on 25th June 2024 for participate the Exercise.

The exercise will include multi-domain warfare in a range of scenarios from anti-submarine warfare, multi-ship surface warfare, multinational amphibious landings, and multi-axis defense of the carrier strike group against live forces.

Taking part in this nature of exercises would enable the Sri Lanka Navy to foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. It also trains and enhances preparedness at all levels, including individual proficiency, and sharpens command and control skills while challenging participants to integrate across changing conditions as part of a joint or combined force.

Acting Commandant Naval Infantry, Commodore Sanath Pitigala, Director Marine, Commodore Upul Samarakoon, Acting Deputy Director Marine, Commander Indika Wijerthna were also present at the event held at the Navy Headquarters.