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Tarawa Completes RIMPAC 2004

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040730-16 Release Date: 8/2/2004 9:00:00 PM

By Journalist Seaman David Perea, Commander, Amphibious Group 3 Public Affairs

ABOARD USS TARAWA (NNS) -- With coalitions strengthened and training operations completed, the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1), "The Big T," returned to its homeport in San Diego Aug. 2, after participating in the multinational maritime exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2004.

Tarawa, with a crew of approximately 1,100 Sailors and Marines, participated in the amphibious phase of RIMPAC, most of which was conducted off the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The broad scope of RIMPAC operations, which included more than 35 ships, 7 submarines and 90 aircraft from seven countries, began June 29 and continued to July 27.

"The Big T had the privilege to work with a wide variety of military units from both the U.S. and the other countries involved in this year's RIMPAC. These exercises definitely helped us build good relations with our allies," said Tarawa's Commanding Officer Capt. John Riley. "Our operations produced positive results, making this year's exercise very productive."

This year's exercise included more than 11,000 Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Coast Guardsmen. The participating countries included Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea and the United States.

Seizing the RIMPAC limelight in mid July, Tarawa crew members and embarked Marines conducted a non-combatant evacuation operation, extracting 160 role-players dressed as civilians from a mock embassy July 14.

Six days later, Tarawa's crew participated in a major amphibious assault exercise, helping to launch a Marine landing force ashore on Bellows Beach in Kauai July 20.

Tarawa also played a key role in the initial testing of the Navy's new Shipboard Surgical System, or the Triple S, July 10. The new rapid response system is designed to provide fast medical support for Sailors and Marines injured during maritime interdictions at sea. A team of six medical specialists deployed to the Chilean frigate Lynch, where the team practiced a pre-staging of a small-scale trauma ward on the mess decks.

While on liberty, Big T crew members took advantage of the recreational opportunities RIMPAC 2004 brought. Whether it was lying on the beaches, experiencing the nightlife in downtown Waikiki or riding the waves, they had a total of 12 days to experience the sights ands sounds of Hawaii.

"The best thing I did on liberty was surf the south shore," said Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Larry Carlson, who took a surf tour to Barber's Point. "During the summer, the surfing is better there than on the north shore."

Oahu native and resident of the island's north shore for 14 years, Airman Thipsuda Wilkinson said, "I had a great time when I went back. I saw a lot of old friends and spent time with them."

Volunteer opportunities were also an option while in Hawaii. On several occasions, groups of crew members volunteered to preserve the Navy's past by helping restore the battleship Missouri (BB 63), "the Mighty Mo."

While some volunteered, others re-enlisted at the nearby Arizona Memorial.

"It's not every day that we get to go to Hawaii, and to be able to reenlist at the Arizona was a great honor for me," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Rickey Woods.

"I had a nice time, and I liked taking in the scenery while riding my bicycle around the island," said five-time RIMPAC veteran Senior Chief Engineman Randall Stark. "RIMPAC has been a great experience, but it's going to be great to get back home with my family."