SATTAHIP, Thailand -- U.S., Royal Thai and Republic of Korea (ROK) service members advanced on Hat Yao Beach in Sattahip, Kingdom of Thailand on Saturday. The multi-national, amphibious assault exercise represents the close alliance shared between the three countries and their commitment to one another in the region.

More than 1,100 U.S., Thai and ROK service members participated in the amphibious assault operation which included dozens of naval ships, landing craft and rotary and fixed wing aircraft.

"In this amphibious operation, three nations are working together, it will help us understand each other and to operate effectively with other countries in the future," said Royal Thai Navy Rear Admiral Chatchai Thongsaard. "This is a very important part of Cobra Gold."

Exercise Cobra Gold, in its 38th iteration, is designed to advance regional security and ensure effective responses to regional crises by bringing together a robust multinational force to address shared goals and security commitments in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

"This is really crucial to all of us," said Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Pacific. "This is where partners come from all around the region and it's not just about building the readiness, but it is about building relationships, building common understanding so that when crises evolve we already have a fair understanding of how we might operate together," he explained.

Service members were integrated in land, sea and air, working directly alongside their partners and allies.

According to a ROK Marine commander, this is a very good time to conduct the training and to share the knowledge each country brings.

Exercise Cobra Gold is the largest theater security cooperation exercise in Southeast Asia and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region.