This is the first time Vietnam has taken part in the RIMPAC after the country sent observers to the event in 2012 and 2016.

The participation will be an opportunity for Vietnam’s naval force to learn from other countries’ experiences and improve its capability in disaster relief and search and rescue operations at sea.

RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise hosted biennially by the US in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.

According to the US Navy, 26 nations, 47 surface ships, five submarines, 18 national land forces, and more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in this year’s exercise scheduled to take place from June 27 to August 2.

RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

The theme of RIMPAC 2018 is “Capable, Adaptive, Partners”. Participating nations and forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex war-scenarios. The relevant, realistic training program includes amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as counter-piracy operations, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations.

This year's exercise includes forces from Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam.