The biennial exercise is scheduled to be held in and around the Hawaii Islands, the United States, from June 26 to August 2, 2024, according to a press statement received here from the TNI-AL on Monday.
The VBSS training was held on the deck of Indonesian naval ship KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata-331 while sailing in the Makassar Strait, South Sulawesi, on Sunday (June 2).
Indonesia has deployed the naval ship for the RIMPAC Exercise, the press statement said.
KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata-331 is currently headed to Hawaii. On their way to the US archipelagic state, navy personnel on board the ship have conducted several trainings.
As part of preparations for the RIMPAC Exercise, the naval ship conducted a 76mm naval gun firing test on May 21, according to the press statement.
The VBSS training aimed to strengthen the elite Kopaska personnel's capability to secure and defend all Indonesian naval ships and civilian vessels from threats at sea.
The VBSS training was also expected to improve the personnel's capability in maritime boarding actions and tactics, including in designing strategies and using firearms in rescue missions, according to TNI-AL.
Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) also confirmed its participation in the 29th RIMPAC Exercise after the agency's head, Vice Admiral Irvansyah, met with Vice Commandant of the US Coast Guard, Admiral Steven D.Poulin, in Washington D.C. on March 9.
In a recent press statement, the US Pacific Fleet disclosed that at least 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft, and more than 25 thousand personnel will join RIMPAC 2024.
Forces from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, and the United States will join the exercise.
As per information provided on the US government's official website, which ANTARA accessed from here on Monday, RIMPAC 2024 will be themed "Partners: Integrated and Prepared."
The exercise led by the Commander of the US 3rd Fleet will seek to foster and sustain cooperative relationships, which are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security to support a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (INE)
Related news: Joint exercise with Australia for solidifying air defense: Air Force
Related news: Indonesian Navy prepares troops for 2024 Rimpac training in Hawaii
Related news: Indonesian warship joins Rimpac 2016 in Hawaii
Translator: Walda M, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Atman Ahdiat
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
