Salem Native Chief Petty Officer Korey Booker Represents U.S. at RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii — Chief Petty Officer Korey Booker, a native of Salem, New Jersey, and a 2010 graduate of Woodstown High School, is currently participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, the world’s premier international maritime warfare exercise held in and around the Hawaiian Islands.

Booker serves with Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron Three (USVRON-3) and is temporarily assigned as a quartermaster aboard the USS Paul Hamilton, a Navy destroyer operating out of San Diego, California.

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🌊 15 Years of Service: From Salem to the Pacific Ocean

Booker joined the Navy 15 years ago seeking global adventure, professional growth, and new cultural experiences.

“I joined the Navy to travel and network,” Booker shared. “I also didn’t want to stay close to home. I wanted to see new things and experience different cultures.”

As a Quartermaster, Booker plays a pivotal role in navigation, seamanship, and mentoring junior personnel.

“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of organization and understanding of what a chain of command is like,” Booker said. “I get to teach junior sailors about their job and how to protect the nation. That is the future of our military, so it is not a role I take lightly.”

What Is RIMPAC 2026?

RIMPAC 2026 marks the 30th exercise in a historic series that began in 1971. Coinciding with the United States’ 250th anniversary, this year’s theme is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.”

Key Stats for RIMPAC 2026:

• Participating Nations: 29 countries

• Personnel: Over 25,000 military service members

• Assets: Approximately 40 surface ships, 5 submarines, 14 land forces, and over 140 aircraft

The massive exercise features training across complex warfighting domains, including missile and anti-submarine defense, amphibious operations, counter-piracy, mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, and disaster relief.

Led by Rear Adm. Richard Meyer (Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet), leadership roles are shared globally—with Chile serving as deputy commander, Japan as vice commander, the Republic of Korea commanding maritime components, and Canada leading air operations.

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Strengthening Global Ties & Family Gratitude

For Booker, the international scope of RIMPAC provides an unprecedented opportunity to build camaraderie with military forces from around the world.

“RIMPAC allows me to network and connect with other countries to exchange information and see how they operate,” Booker noted. “It’s cool because it allows us to build camaraderie with foreign militaries and better understand what they do.”

Booker remains deeply grateful to the family members who support his military journey from back home in New Jersey:

“First, I want to thank God for putting me in the position I am,” Booker expressed. “I want to give a shoutout to my wife, Jalisa, for holding it down at home while I’m away with our two kids, Korey and Kior. I also want to thank my mom, Kimberly, for pushing me as hard as she did, and my family, friends, and late grandpa for all their support.”

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