LOCAL
Bossier City sailor joins massive global naval drill
Makenzie BoucherShreveport Times
Aug. 3, 2026, 4:03 a.m. CT
- A Bossier City native is participating in the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise.
- Airman Apprentice Jay Giddens is serving aboard the USS Essex during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.
- RIMPAC 2026 involves 31 nations, over 40 ships, and more than 25,000 personnel.
A Bossier City native is being recognized for participating in the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise
Airman Apprentice Jay Giddens serving aboard the USS Essex will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in and around the Hawaiian Islands
Giddens, a graduate of Benton High School, joined the Navy in 2025
“My late great-grandfather served during World War II, and my grandfather served during the Vietnam War,” he said. “Their service inspired me to join the Navy and continue my family’s tradition of serving our country.”
This exercise is the largest international maritime exercise in the world — 31 nations, approximately 40 surface ships, five submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 140 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel will participate in RIMPAC 2026
RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring safety at sea and security on the world’s oceans. This year’s exercise marks the 30th in a series that began in 1971
The theme of RIMPAC 2026 is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.” The participating nations and forces exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces
“RIMPAC has been an incredible experience,” Giddens said. “I have enjoyed the opportunity to train in Hawaii, experience a new environment, and work alongside our allied and partner nations. Exercises like this demonstrate the importance of teamwork and cooperation in maintaining maritime security. As a member of the crash and salvage team, I serve as a crash crewman responsible for responding to aircraft emergencies on the flight deck. My role is to help ensure the safety of flight operations by remaining prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any emergency, helping protect our Sailors, aircraft, and mission.
“Serving in the Navy means a great deal to me because I know I am contributing to something that benefits both my country and my own future.”
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com
