Fireworks Illuminate JS KONGO During U.S. Independence Day Celebration

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (July 4, 2026) — Fireworks illuminate the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force guided-missile destroyer JS Kongo (DDG 173) during a U.S. Independence Day celebration at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 4, 2026. Thirty nations, over 30 surface ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 206 aircraft and 30,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 24 to July 31. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2026 is the 30th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force photo by Yusuke Tanka)