40K Ton Target Ship to be Sunk in U.S.-led RIMPAC-2024 Exercise

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This year's edition of the U.S.-led Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) will include a live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) aimed at a retired 40,000-ton USS Tarawa (LHA-1) amphibious assault ship, demonstrating the capability to swiftly neutralize large amphibious vessels similar to those operated by China.

The 2024 RIMPAC commenced on June 27 in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. This biennial exercise involves 29 countries, marking an increase from the 2022 edition which had 26 participating nations. The multinational event features 40 surface ships, four submarines, army units from 14 countries, over 171 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel.

Sinking of the USS Tarawa (LHA-1) aims to demonstrate the capability to neutralize large amphibious vessels, mirroring potential scenarios involving Chinese amphibious assault ships, notably the Type 071 and the upcoming Type 075 landing helicopter dock (LHD).

Richard D. Fisher, Jr., a senior fellow with the International Assessment and Strategy Center, emphasized to VOA that the Tarawa's deployment responds directly to China's recent advancements in large amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers, crucial in a potential Taiwan Strait conflict. Fisher stressed the necessity for allies to conduct numerous SINKEX exercises across a wide area "to demonstrate the capability to rapidly disable large numbers of Chinese vessels at the onset of hostilities."

The expert noted China's expanding amphibious assault capabilities, citing their Type 071 and Type 075 vessels. The Tarawa is comparable in size to China's LHD. “So proving to the Chinese that we can sink one of their Type 075 LHDs very quickly is an essential message to be conveying to the Chinese in 2024,” said Fisher.

Despite calls from U.S. lawmakers, Taiwan is not participating in this year's RIMPAC, underscoring ongoing diplomatic sensitivities. Former U.S. President Trump's National Security Advisor, Robert C. O'Brien, recently advocated for Taiwan's inclusion in future exercises, citing strategic imperatives in the Indo-Pacific region.