The South Korean navy is serving as deputy commander for a large-scale U.S.-led multinational maritime exercise near Hawaii for the first time, a move that one expert said aims to broadcast the strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance to North Korea.

The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) drills involve nearly 30 countries and are taking place as South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol prepares to visit the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) overseeing the training on Tuesday, seeking to emphasize military ties and highlight the threat the DPRK poses to not only Asia but also Europe.