BARKINGS SANDS, KAUAI (July 15, 2001) -- Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 58 from Assault Craft Unit-Five (ACU 5) based at Camp Pendleton Calif., flies along the beach and prepares to off-load Marines, light arterially and HUMVEES for an amphibious landing while Marines from the Second Battalion, Third Marine Regiment stationed at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, Hawaii take up a defensive position during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2002.  Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) is the largest maritime exercise in the Asia-Pacific region bringing together military forces from eight different nations (Canada, Chile, Peru, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States).  This year's event is the 18th in a series of RIMPAC training exercises bringing together over 30 ships, 24 aircraft, 11,000 Sailors Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Coastguardsmen.  The purpose of RIMPAC is to enhance international relations and promote stability in the Pacific Rim region for the benefit of all participating nations.  Official US Navy photo by PH1 Ted Banks of Combat Camera Group Pacific.  Photo and caption cleared for public release by, COMTHIRDFLT Public Affairs Officer (PAO), CDR Jacquie Yost.