040708-N-6932B-136
Pacific Ocean (July 08, 2004) â A Battle-Space Preparation Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (BPAUV) is lowered into the Pacific Ocean from High-Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) during the first night-time launch of the vehicle. BPAUVâs are small, fast, underwater robots, that maps the ocean bottom near the shore, detect changes in inshore conditions, and hunt mines. Swift is participating in exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2004. RIMPAC is the largest international maritime exercise in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands. This year’s exercise includes seven participating nations; Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. RIMPAC is intended to enhance the tactical proficiency of participating units in a wide array of combined operations at sea, while enhancing stability in the Pacific Rim region. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Richard J. Brunson (RELEASED) For more information go to: http://www.cpf.navy.mil/RIMPAC2004/