Conroe native participates in world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise

CONROE, TX -- Petty Officer 2nd Class Ivette Mondragon, a native of Conroe, Texas, serves aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy warship participating in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in and around the Hawaiian Islands.

Mondragon graduated from Willis High School in 2018 and joined the Navy five years ago.

“I joined the Navy to expand my career opportunities while pursuing an interest in the medical field,” Mondragon said. "I wanted a career that would challenge me, provide valuable experience, and allow me to make a positive impact while continuing to grow both personally and professionally."

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Conroe.

“One of the most important lessons I learned growing up was to do what needs to be done, even when it is not easy or something I want to do,” Mondragon said. "I also learned that every situation has both positive and negative aspects, and I have always chosen to focus on the positive. That mindset has helped me overcome challenges and appreciate the opportunities the Navy has given me."

Today, Mondragon serves as a hospital corpsman.

As the world’s largest international maritime exercise, 31 nations, approximately 40 surface ships, five submarines, 14 national land forces, over 140 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel will participate in RIMPAC 2026. This exercise 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. RIMPAC 2026 marks the 30th exercise 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. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The relevant, realistic training program includes gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as amphibious, counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations.

It is fitting that the world’s premier maritime exercise occurs as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary. For 250 years, the United States has built relationships with international partners based on trust, cooperation, and shared values. RIMPAC is where that trust is put into practice, strengthening the people-to-people relationships that are the bedrock of all the nations’ collective security.

Mondragon plays an important role in the exercise.

“RIMPAC has been a great experience,” Mondragon said. "It has been exciting to work alongside so many different countries, gain new perspectives and learn how our partner nations accomplish their missions while strengthening our ability to work together. During RIMPAC, I support my command by carrying out my medical responsibilities while contributing to the health and readiness of the force. My role helps ensure sailors receive the care and support they need to remain mission-ready throughout the exercise."

Mondragon serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy has given me the opportunity to meet people from many different backgrounds and build lasting relationships,” Mondragon said. "The Navy is a diverse community that constantly challenges me to grow, learn and become a better version of myself while serving alongside dedicated professionals."

Mondragon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my parents, my brother and my peers for their constant encouragement, motivation and support,” added Mondragon. "Through every challenge, they have always been there with advice, laughter, meaningful conversations and reminders to keep moving forward.

“After my Navy career, I plan to pursue a career in dental hygiene. I have already completed the prerequisite coursework and look forward to continuing my education while building on the discipline and experience I have gained through military service."

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 (CTF) commander. Chile will fill the role of deputy commander of the CTF, and Japan will fill the role of vice commander. The Republic of Korea will command the maritime component, and Canada will command the air component.

During RIMPAC, a network of capable, adaptive partners train and operate together in order to strengthen their collective forces and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. RIMPAC 2026 contributes to the increased interoperability, resiliency and agility needed by the Joint and Combined Force to deter and defeat aggression by major powers across all domains and levels of conflict.