PACIFIC OCEAN — The 25th Combat Aviation Brigade is expanding the U.S. Army's role in naval operations during Rim of the Pacific 2026, the world’s largest international maritime exercise. U.S. Army Soldiers integrated alongside the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and international partners to strengthen joint readiness and interoperability throughout the Indo-Pacific.
As the U.S. Army's maritime combat aviation brigade, the 25th CAB deployed Task Force Hammerhead aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex where Soldiers conducted aviation operations in support of the amphibious readiness group while refining the procedures required to operate from amphibious ships.
"RIMPAC creates a unique opportunity every two years for us to really get involved with the maritime domain," said Lt. Col. Andy Howell, commander of Task Force Hammerhead. "We're conducting aviation operations in support of the joint force from the USS Essex while extending the operational reach of the ground force commander."
Throughout the exercise, Task Force Hammerhead supported a variety of missions including humanitarian assistance disaster response scenarios in partnership with the state of Hawaii, amphibious operations, and logistical support for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which was embarked aboard Essex. CH-47 Chinook, UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters provided Task Force Hammerhead with a range of aviation capabilities — from heavy-lift and air assault operations to reconnaissance and attack missions — extending the combined force’s operational reach across the maritime environment.
Operating from a moving flight deck at sea presents new challenges far different from ground operations. Deck landings remain among the most demanding tasks for Army aviation crews participating in the exercise. Crew members continuously communicate with pilots to safely position aircraft on the flight deck while accounting for ship movement, wind and surrounding aircraft.
"When you take what is already dangerous aviation operations and put that airport out on the open ocean, it's now moving," Howell said. "It takes extra skill and expertise, and those repetitions are critical to becoming proficient."
For Army Spc. Austin Dean, a CH-47 helicopter repairer and air crew member, adapting to the ship has reinforced the importance of teamwork across service branches. As a crew chief, Dean is responsible for passenger and cargo safety, obstacle clearance and providing pilots with critical guidance during deck landings.
"What I've learned so far during RIMPAC is that even though the Navy, the Marines and the Army are different organizations, we blend very well," Dean said. "Everybody knows their job, and we work together to accomplish the mission."
Operating aboard Essex also introduces unique maintenance challenges. Constant exposure to saltwater and sea air accelerates corrosion, requiring additional inspections and maintenance procedures. To address these challenges, Howell said Task Force Hammerhead worked to develop sea-basing standard operating procedures that will improve future operations.
Howell noted relationships developed during RIMPAC will directly support upcoming missions throughout the Indo-Pacific, particularly alongside partners in the Philippines. Beyond improving digital communications and standardized procedures, the exercise strengthens the interoperability needed for future contingencies.
"The integration we've achieved during this exercise is incredibly important," Howell said. "We're learning Navy and Marine Corps doctrine, building relationships and developing capabilities that will ensure we're ready if we're ever called to operate together again."
For many Soldiers, embarking aboard a Navy amphibious assault ship is a once-in-a-career opportunity. Howell said watching Soldiers embrace unfamiliar challenges while becoming fully integrated members of the combined team has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the exercise.
Task Force Hammerhead's participation demonstrates the Army's growing ability to project combat aviation capabilities from the sea, reinforcing the joint force's commitment to readiness, interoperability and security across the Indo-Pacific.
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