BlueCamp Note: Nhu Nguyen's note in a teleconference with Navy Vice Admiral, Commander of the Third Fleet Scott D. Conn.
Manila Hub - Hawaii - Da Nang (Aug. 27, 2020)
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| Scott D. Conn |
What is the message delivered from RIMPAC, the world’s largest maritime exercise?
RIMPAC 2020 began August 17th, with a formidable team of 10 navies from Australia, Brunei, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic Of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, and the United States. There are 22 surface ships, one submarine, and approximately 5,300 men and women presently at sea. RIMPAC is a means by which the United States can reassure all allies and partners that we’re staunchly committed to the values of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
What have they done during RIMPAC?
Over the last week and a half, the U.S Navy and allies have completed numerous live-fire exercises including: maritime interdiction exercises, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare exercises, as well as replenishments at sea. The purpose of this event is to show a multinational commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, even in times of crisis, in this case, it’s the COVID-19 pandemic.
What did the U.S. Navy Vice Admiral, Commander of the Third Fleet Scott D. Conn say about TRUST?
RIMPAC 2020 has demonstrated that like-minded nations and their navies have the resolve to come together And whether we find ourselves facing a threat to the free flow of goods and services across the world’s oceans or where a response is needed as a result of a natural disaster, the time to establish interoperability and forge key relationships is not in the midst of crisis. We must have those personal relationships and trust already well established because, while we have the ability to surge ships and people, what we cannot surge is trust. It has to be built.
What was his comment on recent PLA missile exercise?
The U.S. Navy has 38 ships underway today in the Indo-Pacific region, including the South China Sea, and we continue to fly and sail and operate anywhere international law allows to demonstrate our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and reassure our allies and partners. Our forces continually monitor exercises throughout the region to include the recent that you mentioned, and our naval forces remain ready to respond to any threats to our allies or partners throughout the region.
RIMPAC has been planned for the last two years, and they occur every two years. China, I’m aware of their exercise. As long as they’re doing it in accordance with international law and norms, they have every right to do so. I would think one of the main differences that I’m aware is that I have 10 nations here participating in our exercises; I’m pretty sure the number of nations participating in China’s exercise is probably less than two. And in terms of launching of the ballistic missiles.
What was his comment on a shared access to the Indo-Pacific region?
If you look at the amount of trade that transits the world’s oceans and how important that is to all of our economies and our people, and it’s having our like-minded navies ensuring that that free flow of goods continues to traverse our seas. And the fact that in the past, oceans have mainly been looked at as barriers and boundaries, and that is no longer true. It’s the collective medium that brings us all together for shared success, shared access, and shared opportunities.
How did Covid-19 change the preparation process for RIMPAC?
Normally, RIMPAC takes two years to plan. We re-planned this event in less than three months. And it wasn’t we, meaning my team; it was every partner nation that’s participating, that was doing things virtually, where we normally go face-to-face. It was trying to have video teleconferences across the world at different times and different days. And they did a phenomenal job of getting us where we are, and able to execute this exercise.
What did he say about the military ties between the U.S and Australia?
In terms of the U.S. and Australia, [we] have very, very strong ties that go back to World War I, and you have been by our side, we have been by your side I think pretty much ever since then, and I think that’s going to continue. And I think we look for all opportunities to continue to strengthen our very strong relationship as we move forward in day-to-day operations and future exercises.
What did he say about whether Taiwai's request to be an observer of RIMPAC?
I am not aware of Taiwan requesting to be an observer status as part of RIMPAC. And I can go back and look at that. So I can’t – I wasn’t aware of it, so I can’t really answer that portion of the question.
I will say that we will continue to work with [all] who are generally supportive of the free and open Indo-Pacific values and then look to find opportunities to further enhance our capabilities and proficiencies towards that aim.
What did he say about miscalculation in international water space?
We always have to be prepared for any type of miscalculation. And we’ve managed that by abiding by international laws, number one, and norms, as well as conducting ourselves in a safe and professional manner. And as long as all nations abide by that, you can have the same ships in the same water space as professional sailors, and we can work our way through that in international water space. You can have pilots, aviators, aircraft, flying aircraft in international airspace and be in relative, close proximity to other aircraft, as long as all parties are operating safely and professionally.
And finally, what I would say is, in terms of miscalculation or the potential crisis, one of the best means to avoid a crisis is being able to demonstrate to others our collective ability to face it and confront it, which is one of the things we’re doing in RIMPAC.
What did he say about the on the Philippines' again/off again approach to RIMPAC?
We are very happy to have the Philippines participating in RIMPAC here with their ship, Jose Rizal. And that group of sailors, led by their captain, is doing a phenomenal job. And I think, as with all RIMPAC participants, those countries – and I’ve said it before – that share the values of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, we are glad to have them on. And that team is doing a very, very good job.
In terms of the on again/off again approach, I’m not going to make those comments. I respect the fact that individual nations have to make choices. We continue to stress our free and open values, and we are just more than happy to have Philippines here with us this year.
What did he say in closing the teleconference?
In closing, I want to reiterate that our collective prosperity depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific. Not just the prosperity of one or two or three nations, but, all of our nations. All of our livelihoods depend on the freedom of the seas and skies. And as my boss, Admiral Aquilino, Commander of Pacific Fleet, has said, “the Indo-Pacific is one of the largest and most diverse regions on earth. These differences are our strength, and the thousands of miles of ocean and sky between us do not divide us, they are the connective elements that bind us all together.”
Exercises like RIMPAC demonstrate that we all have something to offer, regardless of the size of our nations, the militaries, or defense forces. We all have something to teach each other, and we all have something to learn from each other. And that is what we’re doing here at RIMPAC this year.
