An Oswego native is serving aboard a U.S. Navy warship taking part in the world’s largest international maritime exercise
Ensign Bond Photos serves aboard the USS Carl M. Levin, which is participating in the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise in and around the Hawaiian Islands
Photos graduated from Oswego High School in 2019 and earned a bachelor’s degree in photography and photojournalism from Syracuse University in 2023. Photos joined the Navy two years ago and now serves as the ship’s electronic warfare officer
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to give back to the community that helped raise me,” Photos said. “I am incredibly proud of the work we are doing here.”
Photos credited time in the Boy Scouts and growing up in a close-knit community with demonstrating the importance of teamwork and camaraderie
RIMPAC 2026 includes 31 countries, approximately 40 surface ships, five submarines, more than 140 aircraft and over 25,000 personnel. The exercise is intended to strengthen cooperation among international maritime forces
Training includes disaster relief, maritime security, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, amphibious operations, mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations
“RIMPAC is an amazing way for all of the Navy communities around the world to get together, build bonds and increase the strength of our allied relationships,” Photos said
Photos also thanked Syracuse University professor Seth Gitner, museum director Mercedes Niess and sister Avalon for supporting a career in the Navy. Avalon served in the Army as an infantry soldier and delivered Photos’ first salute after commissioning
RIMPAC is hosted by the U.S. Pacific Fleet and led this year by U.S. 3rd Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Richard Meyer. The exercise began in 1971 and is being held for the 30th time
