RIMPAC and MWR
America’s Favorite aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) pulled into Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in late June and served as flag ship for 2024’s Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. The world’s largest maritime warfare event occurs biennially with participation from 29 countries and over 25,000 Sailors. RIMPAC’s 14 day in port period provided Vinson’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) division an opportunity to plan and execute memorable events on a large scale with our RIMPAC partner nations.
RIMPAC Sports Champs
USS Carl Vinson CVN 70, Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW 2) and Destroyer Squadron 1 (DESRON 1) assembled 22 teams comprised of 236 athletes that competed in 14 sporting events throughout an intense two-week period of international competition. Vinson teams faced off against strong international competition and were able to secure wins over New Zealand and India in basketball, Brunei in soccer, Japan and the Netherlands in softball, and the Germans in bench press. Overall, first place winners included Vinson’s basketball, swimming, bench press, and E-sports teams. Strong showings from Vinson’s softball teams, an impressive second place finish from the golf pairing of Lt. Will and Lt. Mauer of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 78 (HSM 78), and a second place overall 5K finish from Vinson’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Matthew Thomas, pushed Vinson to the top of the overall standings, easily beating out the closest competitors to secure the RIMPAC sports crown.
Command Luau
Vinson’s MWR team hosted over 1,400 Sailors and their families to a command-wide luau celebration on July 1, 2024. The Mauka Warriors Company treated the crew to a traditional Polynesian luau and feast, beautiful views of Hawaii, and a show stopping fire and dance show. Guests were also given the opportunity to participate in a variety of interactive cultural activities before the show to include traditional hula lessons, headband weaving, temporary tattoo artistry, flower bracelet weaving, cooking lessons, Polynesian games, and photo booths. MWR raffled off prizes to participating Sailors including everything from wireless speakers to hotel gift cards and airfare credit. A truly memorable evening was enjoyed by all!
