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.

“President Yoon’s visit marks the first by