USS Theodore Roosevelt Leads Community and International Helicopter Exchanges at RIMPAC 2026

During the 30th Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the Nimitz‑class carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt docked at Joint Base Pearl Harbor‑Hickam, Hawaii, where its sailors took part in a series of community‑service events. Crews helped clean Diamond Head Park, restored a wetland at Puʻu o Kaimukī Mini Park and participated in a beach clean‑up, while offering guided tours of the flight deck, hangar bay and other ship areas. Chaplain Michael Kieler said, “It was a good way to give back to the community and take care of the environment,” adding that the activities boosted morale for both sailors and locals.

The carrier also hosted an international helicopter warfighter exchange on 27 June, bringing more than 45 personnel from eight partner navies – South Korea, Italy, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Mexico. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Andrew Poulin called the event “a great opportunity to showcase naval aviation and work with our partners.” Visiting pilots exchanged procedures and discussed challenges, with Peruvian Cmdr. Antonio González noting the value of “learning about different cultures and getting to know more people.” The activities underscored RIMPAC’s role in strengthening maritime cooperation and regional security.