It was a display of military strengths for the U.S., Thailand and South Korea.<br/> <br />Their troops conducted the biggest joint military drill in Asia, also known as Cobra Gold.<br/> <br />In Friday's assault drill, the military personnel focussed on combining sea and air operations.<br/> <br />The joint exercise is the first held this year after the Obama administration announced a strategy to re-engage with Southeast Asia.<br/> <br />But military officials said Washington will not expand their bases in the region.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) DEPUTY COMMANDER OF MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE LIEUTENANT GENERAL KENNETH J. GLUECK, SAYING:<br/> <br />"No, there is no plan to expand military bases in Southeast Asia. We're looking at some more opportunities to go ahead and operate in more different countries on more of a rotational basis but not to establish bases."<br/> <br />The 10-day military exercise aims to enhance their skills needed for peace-keeping and stability operations.<br/> <br />Sophia Soo, Reuters.
