Canadian Forces at forefront of massive Pacific maritime exercise

OTTAWA – Canadian military leaders are taking up key command positions during the world’s biggest maritime exercise this summer.

The Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, six-week week exercise has been taking place every two years since 1974.

Normally, the American military occupies the top posts in the exercise that brings together 22 countries from around the world.

But this year Canadians are heading up the air and the amphibious task groups, as well as the deputy commander post for the entire exercise.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay says its recognition of the leadership the Canadian Forces have shown in recent years in places such as Afghanistan and Libya.

The exercise will test combat and other capabilities of the various naval forces both at sea and on land, in the area of the Hawaiian Islands.