Jackson native participates in world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise

By Chief Yeoman 

Vicki Sonnenberg

Navy Office of 

Community Outreach

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii – Airman Kamron Lacey, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, serves aboard Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, and is participating in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in and around the Hawaiian Islands.

Lacey graduated from Terry Parker High School in 2024 and joined the Navy two years ago. 

“My aunt and uncle encouraged me to join the Navy because they believed it would provide opportunities for my future,” Lacey said. “I also wanted to take advantage of the education benefits while serving my country and building a successful career.”

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Jackson.

“One of the biggest lessons I learned growing up was to never give up and always strive to succeed,” Lacey said. “No matter what challenges come your way, you have to keep pushing forward and work through them.”

Today, Lacey serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.

As the world’s largest international maritime exercise, 31 nations, approximately 40 surface ships, five submarines, 14 national land forces, over 140 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel will participate in RIMPAC 2026. This exercise provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring safety at sea and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2026 marks the 30th exercise in a series that began in 1971.

The theme of RIMPAC 2026 is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.” The participating nations and forces exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The relevant, realistic training program includes gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as amphibious, counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations.

It is fitting that the world’s premier maritime exercise occurs as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary. For 250 years, the United States has built relationships with international partners based on trust, cooperation, and shared values. RIMPAC is where that trust is put into practice, strengthening the people-to-people relationships that are the bedrock of all the nations’ collective security. 

Lacey plays an important role in the exercise. 

“RIMPAC has been a fun and unforgettable experience,” Lacey said. “While on duty, I help maintain the ship’s readiness and support public tours, ensuring visitors have a positive experience while learning about the Navy and our mission.”

Lacey serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means standing your ground, doing your job, and contributing to the mission every day,” Lacey said. 

Lacey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank the friends I have made throughout my journey,” Lacey said. “Their encouragement, support, and friendship have helped me stay motivated and overcome challenges along the way. My goal is to earn a degree in computer science and eventually develop my own video games.” 

Hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC 2026 will be led by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Meyer, who will serve as Combined Task Force (CTF) commander. Chile will fill the role of deputy commander of the CTF, and Japan will fill the role of vice commander. The Republic of Korea will command the maritime component, and Canada will command the air component. 

During RIMPAC, a network of capable, adaptive partners train and operate together in order to strengthen their collective forces and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. RIMPAC 2026 contributes to the increased interoperability, resiliency and agility needed by the Joint and Combined Force to deter and defeat aggression by major powers across all domains and levels of conflict.