180627-N-PX867-175 SAN DIEGO (June 27, 2018) U.S Coast Guard Cmdr. Matthew Jones is welcomed on the quarter deck by Capt. Ronald A. Dowdell, executive officer of amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), during the Southern California portion of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC SOCAL) opening reception June 27. Twenty-five nations, more than 45 ships and submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Whitley/Released)