Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones and Warrant Officer Joint Operations Suzanne Hall were welcomed on board HMAS Sydney during the shore phase of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).
Vice Admiral Jones held a series of meetings with Sydney’s crew, answering questions and offering up advice as requested.
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was the first port visit for Sydney, after leaving her home port at Fleet Base East in early June for Australia’s third regional presence deployment of 2026.
For at least half of Sydney’s crew, it is not just their first time at RIMPAC, the world’s largest international maritime exercise, but also their first international deployment.
For Vice Admiral Jones, however, it is his fifth time at the premier United States military exercise.
“My first RIMPAC was in 1990. There will be some of you here that weren’t born then,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
“At RIMPAC 1990 there were seven nations – the Five Eyes, Japan and South Korea.
“That compares to this year where we have 31 nations, 25-plus ships, and more than 25,000 people. The growth in the exercise has been amazing and it’s a great opportunity to build relationships.”
‘Soak up every opportunity and network with your international counterparts at every briefing and function you attend.’
While addressing Sydney’s crew, Vice Admiral Jones was asked, with the benefit of experience and hindsight, what would he have told his younger self as a young officer on a Royal Australian Navy ship at sea.
“Grasp this opportunity for all its worth, is what I would say to my younger self,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
“Take everything you can out of every activity. You don’t often get to come and take part in the world’s largest maritime exercise.
“Soak up every opportunity and network with your international counterparts at every briefing and function you attend.
“Whether you are at a mass-air briefing, a tactical briefing or an anti-submarine warfare briefing, I encourage you to swap numbers with your counterparts from all around the world and keep in touch.
“Don’t miss the opportunity to build relationships with people in foreign navies, militaries and defence forces and stay in touch, because later on in your career, and even in life, you are going to have connections that you can tap into.”
Vice Admiral Jones said senior leaders of militaries all around the world tell him wherever he goes, whether it is in Europe or in the United States, that members of the Australian Defence Force are well trained, extremely professional and outstanding team members.
“Back yourself, get out there and demonstrate to all these navies just how sharp the Australian Navy is, that’s my goal for each of you,” he said.
“And learn as much as you can while you’re doing it.”
And his parting words?
“I can’t tell you how awesome it is to be back on a warship. Enjoy your time at sea.”
