Video courtesy U.S. Marines

POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii: RIMPAC – the huge, multi-national naval training exercise – is approaching its final week here in the Hawaiian Islands.

Held every two years by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC 2012 is a multinational maritime exercise that takes place in and around the waters of the Aloha State.

The training even spills inland… here on the Big Island, the Pohakuloa Training Area was recently host to Australian Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. They conducted a platoon sized assault range on July 19.

Approximately 2,200 personnel from nine nations are participating in this Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 3, Combined Force Land Component Command. The amphibious and land-based operations are being conducted in order to enhance multinational and joint interoperability.

Also, this footage shows U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 “The Vipers”… conducting aerial patrols and live fire training in a UH-1Y Huey and a AH-1W Super Cobra.

Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3.

The military’s activities come with a traffic delay warning from the U.S. Army Garrison-Pōhakuloa… On Wednesday, August 1st, a Hilo-based military unit will convoy from Keaukaha Military Reserve to Pōhakuloa Training Area. Those convoys are expected to continue through August 4th between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. each day.

The convoy will travel via Hilo Airport Road, Kanoelehua Avenue, West Puainako Street, Komohana Avenue, the Puainako Extension and up the Saddle Road.

The convoys will have Hawaii Police Department escorts front and rear during their trip. Motorists are advised to be alert and drive with care.

Also, on Thursday August 2nd: An Oahu-based military unit will convoy from Kawaihae Harbor to Pōhakuloa, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The convoys will travel via Kawaihae Road, Queen Kaahumanu Highway, Waikoloa Road, Mamalahoa Highway and Saddle Road.

Again, the convoys will have Hawaii Police Department escorts front and rear during their trip. Motorists are advised to be alert and drive with care.

The PTA Department of Army police are working closely with local authorities and military units to coordinate this activity in support of unit training.