
A downsized two week-long Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise kicked off on Aug. 17 off the coast of Hawaii, limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recorded opening message, Vice Adm. Scott Conn, commander of the 3rd Fleet and 2020 RIMPAC commander, underscored that “everything we are doing for RIMPAC has been carefully and deliberately planned to ensure everyone’s safety.” The exercise will be at-sea only and ships will only go pier side to take on food, fuel…