Caption:
Pacific Ocean (July 10, 2004) -- The High Speed Vessel (HSV) 2 Swift
refuels the mine warfare ship USS Avenger (MCM 1) off the coast of
Hawaii during exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2004. Swift is a
wave-piercing aluminum-hulled catamaran that can move at speeds greater
than 45 knots. With a draft allowing it to navigate in only 12 feet of
water it can easily maneuver in and out of littoral environments.
RIMPAC is the largest international maritime exercise in the waters
around the Hawaiian Islands. This year's exercise includes seven
participating nations; Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, South Korea,
United Kingdom and United States. RIMPAC is intended to enhance the
tactical proficiency of participating units in a wide array of combined
operations at sea, while enhancing stability in the Pacific Rim region.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michelle R. Hammond
(RELEASED)
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