RIMPAC 2026 drills test naval and medical readiness in Hawaii

During the 2026 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the Canadian frigate HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341) launched a torpedo off the coast of Hawaii on 7 July. The firing was part of a simulated combat scenario and served to evaluate the ship’s newly installed Underwater Warfare Suite Upgrade, which enhances sonar and data‑processing capabilities for anti‑submarine operations.

Two days later, U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force medical personnel from Tripler Army Medical Center and the Desmond T. Doss Health Clinic conducted a full‑scale mass‑casualty drill on 9 July. The exercise simulated a large influx of injured patients, tested emergency operation plans, communications and joint response procedures, and involved United Nations agencies, NGOs and academic partners. Both activities formed part of RIMPAC’s broader Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) training, showcasing joint interoperability among allied forces.