LSC Pearl Harbor supports multinational exercise.

"East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet," wrote Rudyard Kipling many years ago. Kipling, of course, had never witnessed a RIMPAC exercise, which brings together navies of east and west for six weeks of military maneuvers.

RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific) is a joint military exercise designed to enhance tactical capabilities, improve readiness and efficiency, and foster mutual understanding and cooperation among nations. Held every two years, it brings together the United States and various countries located along the Pacific Rim. (The one exception is the participant from the "Atlantic Rim"--Great Britain.)

Due to Operation Enduring Freedom, this year's RIMPAC, which was the 18th to be held, had markedly fewer participants than in years past. Altogether, it involved approximately 36 ships, 24 aircraft, and 11,000 military personnel. For the first time in years, no aircraft carriers took part. Participating countries included Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Typically held every two years, RIMPAC takes place in the waters off Hawaii, and FISC Pearl Harbor is a major provider to the many participating commands. Until the last ship raises its anchor, FISC Pearl's workload undergoes a significant increase, particularly for those personnel, such as longshoremen and fuel folks, who are on the front lines of ship support.

This year's RIMPAC, which was held from June 21--July 22, tested more than the tactical proficiencies of the participating ships--it also marked the biggest test to date for FISC Pearl's Logistics Support Center (LSC). Established in 2001, the LSC had never experienced a RIMPAC nor the near-simultaneous arrival of dozens of ships and thousands of Sailors, many of whom are non-English speaking. Any concerns, however, about the LSC were put to rest in the first few days of the exercise as it quickly proved to be more than ready for the task.