 Throughout June 1996, "Rainier" participated in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC-96) exercise where numerous FAS, Vertical Replenishments (VERTREP) and CONSOL's were conducted with US, Australian, Canadian and Japanese ships.During the first half of August, "Rainier" participated in a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFX-96) - operating in the Southern California Operating Area (SOCAL OPAREA).During the last half of August and well into September, "Rainier" was in port at Puget Sound Naval Station for upkeep.