Lance Cpl. Charles Weaks is a native of Belton, Texas who graduated from Belton New Tech High School in 2018. He joined the Navy Marine Corps just 18 months ago. It’s a role that fit him like a glove; yet joining the Marine Corps, in this case, was by accident.
“I always wanted to join the military, but not necessarily the Marine Corps,” Weaks noted. “It’s kind of funny actually. I walked into the wrong office, and they convinced me the Corps was for me. They were right, I have no regrets.”
Weaks serves with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit – a Marine air-ground task force – out of Camp Pendleton in California. He participated in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. It’s a unique training opportunity to help foster cooperative relationships, covering everything from disaster relief to sea control and warfighting.
The US Pacific Fleet serving in RIMPAC 2026 will be led by U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander U.S. 3rd Fleet, Rear Admiral Richard Meyer. He will provide leadership as a Combined Task Force (CTF) commander. Chile will fill the role of the deputy commander of the CTF, while Japan will fill the role of vice commander. The Republic of Korea commands the maritime component, while Canada will command the air component.
This is the 30th exercise since the series launched in 1971. RIMPAC 2026’s theme is ‘Partners: Integrated and Prepared.” This year’s RIMPAC exercise is the largest yet, with 31 nations and more than 25,000 personnel participating. It’s a crowd of hard-working heroes who come from all over the world – and Lance Cpl. Weaks is one of them.
“RIMPAC is a great exercise that gives us a chance to work with our allies, and I’m happy to be doing my part assisting with the issuing of ammunition to our partner nations,” Weaks said.
Weaks discovered his skills and values in Belton – the community encouraged him to broaden his perspective and see all the world has to offer.“People in my hometown told me to get out and see the world, so here I am doing just that,” Weaks said.
It’s perfect that the world’s premier maritime exercise (and its biggest yet) occurs as the United States of America celebrates 250 years. The United States has built and fortified relationships with international partners with trust, cooperation, and shared values. People-to-people relationships are essential as the world turns, and to all nations’ security.
Weaks will play a specific role in helping RIMPAC 2026 run smoothly and efficiently: dispensing ammunition.
“RIMPAC is a great exercise that gives us a chance to work with our allies, and I’m happy to be doing my part assisting with the issuing of ammunition to our partner nations,” Weaks said.
He serves a military that’s always on the clock promoting the nation’s security on national and international waters.
“Serving in the Marine Corps means a lot to me because it allows me to experience so many new things and meet so many amazing people,” Weaks said.
Weaks had words of gratitude for those who made his Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, April, and my dad, Brian, for their never-ending support,” added Weaks. “I also want to thank my girlfriend, Gabby, for all of her support and for listening to my rants about work after a hard day.”
Original article by American Connections Media Outreach.
