North Central Florida native to participate in one of the world’s largest maritime war exercises

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - At least one North Central Florida native is participating in one of the world’s largest maritime warfare exercises, “Rim of the Pacific”, according to U.S. Navy officials.

Navy Officials said, Corporal Diego Deanda, graduated from North Marion High School in 2020 and joined the Marine Corps three years ago.

Deanda is one of more than 25,000 personnel from dozens of countries participating int he “Rim of the Pacific” exercise around the Hawaiian islands.

The exercise rehearses disaster relief, maritime security, ad combat operations.

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