USS Theodore Roosevelt: 'The Big Stick' Serves as Command Hub for RIMPAC

HONOLULU — During the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) is serving as the primary command hub. Commanding Officer Captain William Mathis stated that the carrier functions not only as a mobile airfield but as a flagship for maritime coordination.

The carrier is currently docked at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The 100,000-ton vessel features a flight deck equivalent to three football fields and carries a complement of major U.S. combat aircraft. Over the next ten days, the ship will prepare for joint exercises involving more than 30 naval vessels from various nations.

The ship bears the nickname "The Big Stick," derived from President Theodore Roosevelt’s philosophy of "Speak softly and carry a big stick," which emphasizes peace through strength. Currently, over 5,000 personnel are aboard, engaged in supply logistics and equipment maintenance to ensure operational readiness.

Captain Mathis noted that the carrier’s advanced communication and computer systems allow staff to effectively coordinate multi-national operations. Executive Officer Captain Michael Sliver emphasized the importance of rigorous training, noting that the RIMPAC exercise provides an essential environment for refining operational integration. He described the process as gradual, prioritizing safety as the paramount principle while allowing crews to identify and correct issues in a controlled setting.