Largest international naval exercise (peacetime)

The biennial series of naval warfare exercises known as RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific), centred on Hawaii and surrounding waters, was the largest ever when it took place from 27 June to 7 August 2012. Some 22 nations participated. The exercises involved 25,000 sailors and other military personnel, 40 surface ships, six submarines and 200 aircraft. Tasks involved mine-clearance, aiding civilians in natural disasters and disposing of explosives, as well as other sea-combat training. The series started in 1971. They are hosted by the Pacific Fleet of the US Navy and, in 2012, Russia became an active participant for the first time.

Eight nations took part in 2006; 14 took part in 2010.