HAWAII — U.S. Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, engaged in joint live-fire and urban combat training at Marine Corps Base Hawaii on June 28, 2026. Mexican and South Korean marines participated in the exercises, which were part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).

The training included shooting rifles, clearing rooms, and practicing tactical skills. Events took place on rifle ranges inside a volcanic crater and in an urban training facility. The urban training facility exercises for U.S. Marines from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment occurred at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows.

U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Valerie Jackson discussed the purpose of the joint efforts. "Working together in this way sets the foundation for how we actually operate in the world today, and how we might fight—we don't fight alone," Jackson said. She also stated, "This is all about alliances and partnerships, and when a crisis comes, you don't want the first time working with someone to be when you're facing a very determined adversary."

Col. Robb McDonald, commander of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, remarked on the value of the multinational exercises. "We see this as an opportunity to integrate and learn from each other," McDonald said. He added, "RIMPAC is a showcase to that interoperability that we're able to achieve."

The training encompassed various skill sets, from jungle survival techniques to approaches for complex urban environments. Over a week, the unit trained with the entire inventory of infantry weapons. The 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment is the ground combat element of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Exercise Rim of the Pacific involved 30 countries in 2026. The theme for the 2026 Exercise Rim of the Pacific was "partners: integrated and prepared."