The U.S. Navy hosted an event focused on innovation and international cooperation as part of the annual Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises. RIMPAC brings together 25 countries to conduct training at sea, discuss best practices, and improve capabilities. This year, the Navy wants to add innovation to the list of benefits of working with our international partners.
The fair, held June 29 and 30 on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, had “nearly 2,000 attendees, including exhibitors, staff and patrons,” according to a press release.
A push was made to include personnel at all levels, including those who will be operating the new equipment and technology in the future. “We wanted to encourage more engagement at the deckplate level, connecting developers to our most junior Sailors and those who will be using and applying these innovative technologies and concepts,” said Cmdr. Brett Elko. Cmdr. Elko is a Navy leader who is assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Third Fleet, which put on the fair.
International Cooperation
RIMPAC has been bringing nations together to conduct maritime operations since the early 70s. The exercises take place over a few months and include shore-based coordination as well as at-sea maneuvers. Participant nations are able to learn from each other and become more competent mariners.
In an article written by Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Gilles Couturier, who oversaw RIMPAC in 2014, the purpose of the event is “coming together to foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans.”
The spirit of international cooperation continued at the Innovation Fair and in future plans. A secure communication and data exchange platform, the All Partners Access Network, was included in the fair. According to the Navy’s press release, the platform will be “accessible to all nations, to include their militaries and supporting non-government organizations.” The All Partners Access Network will allow participant countries to continue sharing innovative ideas and concepts.
What a week it's been at #RIMPAC2018! Check out our #RIMPACFlashBack video for some of the highlights📽️#RIMPAC #CapableAdaptivePartners pic.twitter.com/x05p2R9XKb
— RIMPAC (@RimofthePacific) July 7, 2018
According to the Navy, RIMPAC is the largest maritime exercise in the world. The exercise is led by military leaders from participant nations. RIMPAC 2018’s Commander is U.S. Navy Vice Admiral John Alexander, with Royal Canadian Navy Rear Admiral Bob Auchterlonie acting as Deputy Commander. Other leadership roles are filled by representatives from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, U.S. Navy, the Armada de Chile, the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Participant ships include those from Australia, France, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, India, Malaysia, Peru, South Korea, Chile, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, and the United States.
The Future of the Sea-faring Service
The military has often been at the forefront of technology. The U.S. Air Force is responsible for the Global Positioning System (GPS) that has become an integral part of modern infrastructure.
But, the military is also a large organization, with red tape and other bureaucratic hurdles that often slow down progress. The shift that we have seen towards prioritizing innovation and information-sharing points to a new future for our military. It seems like that future will include new technology, innovative ideas, and the necessary cooperation to make them a reality.
Some ideas were “highlighted at the fair, including survey mapping, fuel cell technology and medical prosthesis,” said the Navy’s press release. Participating nations were also invited to present their own designs and concepts at the fair. The ideas presented by sailors involved in the exercise were met with enthusiasm.
The future is NOW!👽
Here's a taste of what to expect at our first-ever Innovation Fair.#RIMPAC #RIMPAC2018 #CapableAdaptivePartners pic.twitter.com/jiYrpKv1Wv
— RIMPAC (@RimofthePacific) July 1, 2018
“The best ideas come from the folks that use it,” said Cmdr. Elko. “We wanted to use the opportunity of RIMPAC, this international stage, to share ideas throughout the naval community and involve our most junior Sailors.”
Designs developed by sailors included equipment to improve damage control efforts onboard ships, parking systems and yoga to improve quality of life for sailors, and radio-frequency identification equipment. Each design was assessed by a panel of judges and awards were given to the top ideas. The damage control bag designed by Royal Malaysian Navy frigate KD Lekiu’s crew earned top prize.
Why Work Together?
The Innovation fair and larger RIMPAC exercises are important parts of the Navy’s mission and responsibility to maintain a professional, competent maritime service.
The opportunity to improve processes by sharing best practices is another important benefit of international exercises such as this one. Many of the ideas shared during the innovation fair focused on aspects of life at sea that transcend borders or shipboard specifications. Damage control, for example, is an important part of every sailor’s life. As the U.S. Navy recognizes, every sailor needs to be a damage control expert. That is why during damage control drills, every person onboard is assigned a duty to assist with efforts to preserve the safety of the ship and crew.
Other difficulties of life at sea, such as exercise or quality of life, are also universal. Sharing ideas on how to improve these areas and solve problems ultimately strengthens the ships of all nations involved.
“This RIMPAC Innovation Fair, which is part of the largest naval exercise in the world, provides the perfect opportunity for like minds to gather on an international scale and share their latest concepts for improving our capabilities and quality of life for our sailors,” said Capt. Chris Sund, another official assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Third Fleet.
Military operations often require coordinated effort between nations and the sea domain is no exception. Establishing a spirit of cooperation ensures that future efforts will run smoother and ultimately be more effective.
