English: At sea with the Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) Jun. 25, 2002 -- USS Tarawa moors behind the USS Utah Memorial on Ford Island, during her port visit to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Tarawa is participating in the early phase of the multinational maritime exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2002. In addition to the Tarawa ARG, this year's exercises include a variety of surface combatant ships, submarines and tactical aircraft. More than 30 ships, 24 aircraft and 11,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airman and Coast Guardsmen will participate in RIMPAC 2002. The purpose of RIMPAC 2002 is to enhance the tactical proficiency of the participating units in a wide array of combined operations at sea among the seven participating countries. The exercises also help build cooperation and foster mutual understanding between the participating nations. Among the countries participating this year are: Australia, Canada, Chile, Peru, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Rodney Jones. (RELEASED)