120714-N-FR671-036
PACIFIC OCEAN (July 14, 2012) Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Joseph Seward and Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Pedro Rodriguez, both assigned to the "Argonauts" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, prepare an F/A-18E Super Hornet to participate in the Great Green Fleet demonstration aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. The Great Green Fleet demonstration serves as another milestone in the Navy’s pursuit to improve combat capability through improved energy efficiency measures. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan A. Colon/RELEASED)