USNI News Western Pacific Pulse: July 31, 2026

The following is a summary of major ship movements and exercises in the Western Pacific over the last week.

In Hawaii

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) leads a group sail July 22, 2026, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026. US Navy photo The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise in Hawaii closed on Friday after more than a month of drills. Forces from 30 nations, comprising 30,000 personnel, 31 surface ships, five submarines and more than 190 aircraft, conducted 500 maritime exercises, 2,400 flight sorties and responded to more than 5,000 scenario-based problem sets.

A full list of countries and ships that participated is here.

In Sasebo, Japan

Sailors man the rails as America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) returns to Sasebo, Japan, after concluding a dynamic six-month patrol to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation, July 27, 2026. US Navy photo Amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD-47) are at their homeport of Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) in Sasebo, Japan. Tripoli and Rushmore returned on Monday and Wednesday, respectively.

Last week, the two ships pulled into Okinawa to off-load their embarked elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, concluding a six-month deployment to U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

The Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group included Tripoli, Rushmore and amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD-18) and the 31st MEU. New Orleans remains deployed.

Near Scarborough Shoal

The PLA Southern Theater Command conducted naval and air combat readiness patrols on July 30, 2026, in the waters and airspace around Scarborough Shoal. PLAN image The People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command conducted naval and air combat readiness patrols on Thursday in the waters and airspace around Scarborough Shoal, a disputed maritime feature.

“Such patrols serve as an effective countermeasure to cope with all sorts of rights-violation and provocative acts. They are meant to resolutely safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea,” reads the PLA’s official social media account China Military Bugle, which posted a video of the patrols.

The video shows PLAN’s Type 054B frigate CNS Qinzhou (555) sailing with fleet oiler CNS Qinghaihu (885). The Type 054B is the PLAN’s newest frigate design. Qinzhou and CNS Louhe (545) are the only two ships in service, having been commissioned in 2025. A third ship is said to be under construction.

The video also shows frigate CNS Tongliao (554) on patrol and in communication with Qinzhou.

Participating aircraft, according to the video, were H-6 bombers, J-16 fighters, Y-9 MPA and JL-10 light combat aircraft. The video also shows the JL-10s warning and tracking a Philippine Air Force NC-212i light transport aircraft.

In Vladivostok, Russia

From Tuesday to Wednesday, Russian Navy corvette RFS Sovershennyy (333) and Indonesian Navy frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai (332) carried out bilateral exercise Orruda 2026 in the waters off Vladivostok. The two ships did joint maneuvers, visit, board, search and seizures (VBSS), gunnery, counter action against UAV, search and rescue (SAR) and air defense training.

Orruda is an annual bilateral exercise between the Russian Navy and the Indonesian Navy. The inaugural exercise took place last year in Indonesia.

PLAN fleet oiler CNS Kekexilihu (903) and Russian Navy corvette RFS Rezkiy (343), both shown, as well as PLAN cruiser CNS Anshan (103), destroyer CNS Kaifeng (124) returned July 29, 2026, to Vladivostok, Russia. Japan Joint Staff Office photo A People’s Liberation Army Navy-Russian Navy surface action group pulled into Vladivostok, Russia, on Wednesday concluding their annual joint naval patrol. The joint surface action group includes PLAN cruiser CNS Anshan (103), destroyer CNS Kaifeng (124) and fleet oiler CNS Kekexilihu (903) and Russian Navy corvette RFS Rezkiy (343).

The joint patrol set off on July 13 from Qingdao, China, following completion of the patrol’s participation in a joint naval exercise. Rezkiy’s return to Vladivostok marked the end of a 160-day deployment for the corvette, having departed Vladivostok in early May as part of a 10-ship Russian convoy to the Indian Ocean. The corvette then returned to East Asia and headed to Qingdao to participate in the joint naval exercise and patrol. During its deployment, Rezkiy sailed more than 27,000 nautical miles, according to the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet.

The joint patrol sailed between Okinawa and Miyako Island, also known as the Miyako Strait on July 16. On July 19, the patrol was operating within Japan’s claimed 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone waters around Okinotori Island, during which Kaifeng conducted a live firing of machine guns, USNI News reported. The patrol continued its sail toward Iwo Jima and then on to the northeast coast of Honshu and south of the main island of Hokkaido. EEZs allow the free passage of military ships, though Japan views such joint movements by China and Russia around it as demonstrations against the country.

In a Wednesday news release, Japan’s Joint Staff Office reported that at 8 a.m. local time Monday, the joint patrol was sailing west 70 kilometers – 44 miles – northeast of Cape Soya, Hokkaido, and subsequently sailed west through La Pérouse Strait. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Suzunami (DD-114), fast attack craft JS Kumataka (PG-827) and a JMSDF P-3C Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) shadowed the Chinese and Russian ships.

During the patrol, Chinese and Russian forces conducted shipborne helicopter landings, joint counter-terrorism operations, humanitarian assistance and boarding and seizure operations, according to a PLA daily report. The PLAN ships also conducted various realistic combat drills simulating scenarios based on the current maritime and air situation. Both the PLA and PLAN released separate videos of the patrol on their respective social media channels, China Military Bugle and China Navy.

Over the Sea of Japan

On Monday, a Russian IL-20 Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) aircraft flew in from the Russian continent and flew south over the Sea of Japan until it was parallel with the coastline of Shimane Prefecture and turned back to the Russian continent. According to Japan’s Joint Staff Office, fighter aircraft were scrambled in response.

In Niigata, Japan

U.S. Navy Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Chief (MCM-14), arrives in Niigata, Japan during a scheduled port visit, July 25, 2026. US Navy photo Forward-deployed mine countermeasures ship USS Chief (MCM-14) arrived Saturday at Niigata, Japan, for a scheduled port visit.

“We’re honored by the welcome that Niigata has provided our crew,” Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Baxter, commanding officer of Chief, said in a news release. “Visits like this strengthen the people-to-people relationships between our sailors and the citizens of Japan that are the foundation of our nations’ alliance. We are excited to experience the wonderful culture and history of this city and to build lasting friendships with the people of Niigata.”

In the Miyako Strait

PLAN frigate CNS Yancheng (546) and cruiser CNS Nanchang (101) were spotted July 30, 2026. Japan Joint Staff Office photo At 1 a.m. local time on Saturday, PLAN frigate CNS Yancheng (546) and fleet oiler CNS Dongpinghu (902) were spotted sailing northwest 180 kilometers – 112 miles – east of Miyako Island and subsequently sailed northwest between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island to enter the East China Sea. Yancheng then turned around while 80 kilometers – 50 miles – southwest of Kume Island and sailed south between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island to re-enter the Philippine Sea.

A JMSDF P-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and a JMSDF P-3C Orion MPA shadowed the PLAN ships, according to Japan’s Joint Staff Office.

Yancheng was sighted again at 4 a.m. local time Thursday with cruiser CNS Nanchang (101). The two PLAN ships sailed northwest 100 kilometers – 62 miles – northeast of Miyako Island and subsequently sailed northwest between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island to enter the East China Sea. JMSDF fleet oiler JS Hamana (AOE-424) and a JMSDF Fleet Air Wing 5 P-3C Orion MPA surveilled the PLAN ships.

In La Pérouse Strait

Russian Navy corvette RFS Gromkiy (335) was sighted Monday sailing west 130 kilometers – 81 miles – northeast of Cape Soya, Hokkaido. The Russian corvette then sailed west through La Pérouse Strait to enter the Sea of Japan while under surveillance by JMSDF fast attack craft Kumataka.

In Da Nang, Vietnam

USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrives in Da Nang, Vietnam for a scheduled port visit, July 30, 2026. US Navy photo The George Washington Carrier Strike Group arrived Thursday in Da Nang, Vietnam, marking the first carrier strike group visit since 2023, USNI News reported.

The carrier strike group includes aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), and destroyer USS Shoup (DDG-86). Destroyer USS Benfold (DDG-65), which is part of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, remains deployed in the South China Sea. The CSG departed Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) on May 23 to commence its patrol.

In Cam Ranh, Vietnam

Russian submarine RFS Ufa (B-588) and submarine rescue ship Igor Belousov wrapped up a four-day port visit to Cam Ranh, Vietnam, on Wednesday.

“The visit is a practical step towards implementing cooperation agreements between the Russian and Vietnamese ministries of defense. It contributes to strengthening traditional friendly relations and developing defense cooperation, especially cooperation between the naval forces of the two countries,” reads a social media post by the Russian Embassy in Vietnam.

In Guam

Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN-783) transits Apra Harbor as Minnesota returns to its homeport at Naval Base Guam July 29, 2026. US Navy photo U.S. Navy attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN-783) returned to its homeport at Naval Base Guam on Wednesday, completing its inaugural deployment as the first forward-deployed Virginia-class submarine.

“Minnesota’s return marks a significant milestone for the Pacific Submarine Force and demonstrates the Navy’s ability to sustain and employ advanced Virginia-class capabilities in the Pacific,” said Capt. Christopher Carter, commander, Submarine Squadron 15, in a Navy news release. “Operating from Guam, this crew demonstrated the readiness, endurance and advanced capabilities the Virginia-class platform brings to the strategic outpost in the Western Pacific.”

During its deployment, Minnesota participated in the multinational exercise Valiant Shield 2026 and made port visits to Okinawa and Sasebo, Japan.

“The crew performed superbly while executing missions vital to the defense of the homeland and strengthening our alliances and partnerships,” said Cmdr. Jeffrey Cornielle, commanding officer of Minnesota. “The experience they gained operating throughout the Western Pacific will shape Minnesota’s continued success for years to come. I am proud of every sailor and deeply grateful to our families, whose strength and support made this deployment possible. From the North!”

Since arriving in Guam in November 2024, Minnesota has visited HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, where the crew conducted at-sea operations in support of the Submarine Command Course and participated in Exercise Lungfish, a tactical development exercise between the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy. Minnesota also visited Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory in support of bilateral engagements, according to the release.

In Manila, Philippines

Philippine Navy personnel toured Vietnam People’s Navy frigate VPNS Tran Hung Dao (015) on July 27, 2027, while the ship was in port in Manila, Philippines. Vietnam People’s Army photograph Vietnam People’s Navy frigate VPNS Tran Hung Dao (015) carried out a port visit to Manila, Philippines, from Sunday to Wednesday, with Philippine Navy personnel touring the ship on Monday.

“The visit also provided an opportunity for the two navies to exchange professional expertise and share experience in seamanship, technical support, emergency response, and ship management, thereby contributing to enhancing mutual understanding, building trust and friendship and improving coordination in future joint maritime activities,” reads a Vietnam People’s Army Newspaper report.

In Kota Belud, Malaysia

Malaysian Army soldiers assigned to Company C, 26th Royal Malaysian Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, board a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter assigned to Task Force Nightcard, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, during Exercise Keris Strike 26 near Kota Belud, Malaysia, July 24, 2026. US Army photo The Malaysian Army, U.S. Army and Australian Army completed multilateral exercise Keris Strike 2026 on Monday. The exercise took place at the Kota Belud Firing Range, Sabah, Malaysia.

A total of 2,845 personnel from the Malaysian Army, Guam National Guard and Oklahoma National Guard and the Australian Army Rifle Company Butterworth rotational force. The exercise is supported by U.S. Army Pacific Black Hawk helicopters and HIMARS and by Australian Army Tiger attack helicopters for the tactical and live fire drills. Originally an annual bilateral Malaysia-U.S exercise, it was transformed into a multilateral exercise in 2024 with Australia joining the drills.

In Port Klang, Malaysia

Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate HMAS Perth (FFH157) docked into Port Klang, Malaysia, on July 29, 2026. Malaysian government photo Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate HMAS Perth (FFH157) docked in Port Klang, Malaysia, on Wednesday for a rest and replenishment stop before sailing to Thailand, according to a Royal Malaysian Navy social media post.

The Australian Defense Department said that Perth is headed to the Indian Ocean for its regional presence deployment.

In Sibolga, Indonesia

The U.S. Navy-led Pacific Partnership 2026 humanitarian and civic assistance mission completed its first mission stop on Thursday in Sibolga, Indonesia. Royal Australian Navy amphibious dock landing ship HMAS Choules (L100) is operating as the host ship for the mission.

In Townsville, Australia

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Landon Nelson, left, and Lance Cpl. Rosalas Rojas, both machine gunners with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 26, fire an MK-19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher as part of a multinational live-fire drill during Exercise Predator’s Run 26 at Townsville Field Training Area in Queensland, Australia, July 27, 2026. US Marine Corps photo U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 26, soldiers from the Australian Army’s 1st Brigade, and soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 1st Brigade Combat Team completed Exercise Predator’s Run 26 on Thursday in Townsville, Australia.

The nine-day exercise transitioned the alliances from compatibility to true tactical integration. Together, allied units validate unified command and control, shared logistics, and complex combined-arms maneuver, reads a MRF-D news release.

In Northern Territory, Australia

An elephant walk’ consisting of air-to-air refuelers participating in Exercise Pitch Black 26 from the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Air Force, United States Air Force, Spanish Air and Space Force and a Multi-Role Tanker Transport Unit aircraft taxi at RAAF Base Amberley. Exercise Pitch Black 2026 runs from July 20-Aug. 7, 2026. Australian Defence photo The RAAF’s multinational air combat exercise Pitch Black 2026, which runs from July 20-Aug. 7, is entering its final week.

Pitch Black 2026 includes aircraft from the United States, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Republic of Korea, India, Singapore, Germany, France and Spain, as well as embedded personnel from New Zealand, Fiji, Canada, Brunei, Malaysia, Finland and Sweden. Up to 100 jet aircraft have been supported by more than 2,500 personnel operating out of RAAF Darwin Air Base and RAAF Tindal Air Base in the Northern Territory and RAAF Amberley Air Base in neighboring Queensland for the exercise.

This post was written by Dzirhan Mahadzir.