The BRP Tarlac, the lead ship of landing platform docks in service with the Philippine Navy, is presented at Pier 13, South Harbour, Manila City on June 01, 2016. Benhur Arcayan, Malacañang Photo Bureau

The Philippine Navy will deploy a landing dock for the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise scheduled from June 26 to August 2 in Hawaii.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos on Thursday said a send-off ceremony for the vessel will be held at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales on June 2.

The Philippines is among the 29 countries that will join the drills.

“It is really important because all of the countries under the US alliance will be joining the RIMPAC,” Alcos said.

 “It is one of the biggest, if not the largest, naval exercises in the world, so we have to be there,” he added.

 Around 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, 14 national land forces, and 150 aircraft will participate in the exercise, according to the United States Pacific Fleet.

In addition, over 25,000 personnel from participating countries will take part in the RIMPAC. Alcos, however, could not yet say how many Philippine Navy personnel will be sent to the drills.

Aside from the Philippines, this year’s exercise will include forces from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, and the US.

RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971.