Local Marine proudly takes part in largest international naval warfare exercise
Sun, August 2, 2026 at 1:54 PM
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Sgt. MaryJane Munoz, a native of San Antonio, Texas, serves with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and is participating in the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise, known as RIMPAC. (SBG San Antonio)
SAN ANTONIO – A local servicemember is taking part in the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise in and around the Hawaiian Islands
Sgt. MaryJane Munoz, a native of San Antonio, Texas, serves with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and is participating in the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise, known as RIMPAC
Munoz graduated from Veterans Memorial High School in 2022 and joined the Marine Corps four years ago. She now serves as a logistics specialist
“My grandfather and uncle both served in the Marine Corps, but they did not believe I could succeed because I was a woman,” Munoz said. “I was determined to prove them wrong and demonstrate that success is not defined by gender but by commitment, determination and the willingness to accomplish the goals you set for yourself.”
She said lessons from growing up in San Antonio helped shape her approach to service
“One of the greatest lessons I learned growing up was to never give up, no matter how difficult life becomes,” Munoz said. “There will always be people facing greater challenges, and every obstacle is an opportunity to grow. I believe every person writes their own story, and it is up to each of us to determine how that story ends.”
RIMPAC 2026 is expected to include 31 nations, about 40 surface ships, five submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 140 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel. The exercise marks the 30th in a series that began in 1971. The theme of RIMPAC 2026 is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.”
The training program includes a wide range of operations, including disaster relief and maritime security operations, as well as gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, amphibious operations, counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations
Munoz said she has played a key role during the exercise
“RIMPAC has been an incredible experience,” Munoz said. “It has been fascinating to work alongside military personnel from partner nations and observe both our similarities and our different approaches to training. Building relationships, even when language barriers require tools like Google Translate, has reinforced how cooperation and teamwork transcend national boundaries.”
“I serve as a logistics specialist and embarkation marine, supporting both the Port Operations Group and Beach Operations Group during RIMPAC,” Munoz said. “My responsibilities included receiving equipment from USS Essex delivered by Landing Craft Air Cushion and coordinating the arrival of Korean Amphibious Vehicles carrying Republic of Korea Marines. During this phase of the exercise, I had the opportunity to serve as the Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge for both the Port Operations Group and Beach Operations Group, overseeing the safe and efficient movement of personnel and equipment in support of the mission.”
Munoz also spoke about her family and what service means to her
“Serving in the Marine Corps means everything to me,” Munoz said. “Becoming a Marine has challenged me to become a stronger leader, a better parent and a better person. As a single mother, every promotion and every accomplishment carries greater meaning because I know I am building a better future for my son, Marcello. He inspires me to lead by example every day.”
She credited her parents for supporting her while she participates in the exercise
“I would like to thank my parents, Maribel and Juan, for the sacrifices they continue to make so I can pursue my career in the Marine Corps,” Munoz said. “While I am participating in RIMPAC, they are caring for my son, Marcello, back home in Texas. Their love, support and selflessness have made these opportunities possible, and I am grateful for everything they do for our family.”
Munoz said she has heard she remains the only female graduate from Veterans Memorial High School to earn the title of United States Marine
“I graduated from Veterans Memorial High School, and from everything I have heard back home, I remain the only female graduate from my school to earn the title of United States Marine,” Munoz said. “I hope my journey inspires other young women to believe in themselves, overcome obstacles, and pursue goals that others may think are beyond their reach.”
Hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC 2026 will be led by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Meyer, who will serve as Combined Task Force commander. Chile is set to serve as deputy commander, Japan as vice commander, the Republic of Korea will command the maritime component, and Canada will command the air component
The Navy said RIMPAC brings partners together to train and operate as a network of “capable, adaptive” forces to strengthen collective readiness and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, contributing to interoperability, resiliency and agility across the joint and combined force
